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IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA - Department of Mines and Petroleum

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APRIL 2004<br />

PETROLEUM<br />

<strong>IN</strong> <strong>WESTERN</strong> <strong>AUSTRALIA</strong><br />

more developments on the horizon<br />

than ever before...<br />

Western Australia’s Digest <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> Exploration, Development <strong>and</strong> Production. <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources


april 2004<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>and</strong> Royalties Division - Mineral House<br />

100 Plain Street, East Perth, Western Australia 6004<br />

Tel +61 8 9222 3273 Fax +61 8 9222 3799<br />

www.doir.wa.gov.au<br />

Publisher - RIU Resource Information Unit<br />

Tel +61 8 9382 3955 Fax +61 8 9388 1025<br />

www.riu.com.au<br />

Design & Artwork - Triton Corporate<br />

Tel +61 8 9325 1644 Fax +61 8 9325 1644<br />

www.tritoncorporate.com.au<br />

Editor - Darren Ferdin<strong>and</strong>o<br />

Email darren.ferdin<strong>and</strong>o@doir.wa.gov.au<br />

Cover Photo:<br />

Goldwyn ‘A’ Platform<br />

(Photo Courtesy <strong>of</strong> Woodside Energy).<br />

All expressions <strong>of</strong> opinion are published here on the basis that they are not<br />

to be regarded as expressing the <strong>of</strong>ficial views <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources. The <strong>Department</strong> accepts no responsibility for the<br />

accuracy <strong>of</strong> any <strong>of</strong> the opinions or information contained herein <strong>and</strong> readers<br />

should rely on their own enquiries in making any decisions touching<br />

upon their own interests.<br />

Contents<br />

PWA April Edition - Contents<br />

International Contacts 2<br />

Minister’s Message 3<br />

Director’s Comment 5<br />

Review <strong>of</strong> 2003 - Exploration, Production <strong>and</strong> Development Activities in Western Australia 7<br />

Resource Branch’s Recent Activities 22<br />

Magnetotelluric Surveys for <strong>Petroleum</strong> Exploration in Western Australia 24<br />

State Acreage Release March 2004 28<br />

Diving Regulations 32<br />

Coal Seam Methane - what’s the gas? 34<br />

International Risk Consultancy - Company Focus 37<br />

Table 1. Reserves as at 31 December 2003 - Developed Fields 39<br />

Table 2. Reserves as at 31 December 2003 - Undeveloped Fields 39<br />

Table 3. Unbooked Resources as at 31 December 2003 40<br />

Table 4. Cumulative Production to 2003 40<br />

Table 5. Production by Field to 2003 41<br />

Table 6. Seismic Surveys in Western Australia 2003 Calendar Year 42<br />

Table 7. <strong>Petroleum</strong> Wells in Western Australia 2003 Calendar Year 42<br />

Table 8. Seismic Surveys in Western Australia Operating 2003 Calendar Year 43<br />

Table 9. <strong>Petroleum</strong> Wells in Western Australia Operating 2003 Calendar Year 44<br />

Table 10. Western Australia list <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders as at 15 April 2004 45<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources - Key Contacts 57<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources<br />

Western Australia’s Digest <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> Exploration, Development <strong>and</strong> Production.<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources.<br />

1


2<br />

PWA April Edition - International Contacts<br />

International<br />

Contacts<br />

CH<strong>IN</strong>A - Shanghai<br />

Mr BJ Zhuang, Regional Director<br />

Western Australian Trade & Investment Promotion<br />

Shanghai Representative Office<br />

Room 2208 CITIC Square<br />

1168 Nanjing Road West<br />

SHANGHAI 200041<br />

PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CH<strong>IN</strong>A<br />

Tel: +86 21 5292 5899<br />

Mobile: +86 1390 175 8192 (for BJ Zhuang)<br />

Fax: +86 21 5292 5889<br />

E-mail: bj.zhuang@doir.wa.gov.au<br />

CH<strong>IN</strong>A - Hangzhou<br />

Ms Stella Bu, Manager<br />

Western Australian Trade & Investment Promotion<br />

Hangzhou Representative Office<br />

Room 910, World Trade Office Plaza<br />

Zhejiang World Trade Centre<br />

15 Shuguang Road<br />

HANGZHOU 310007<br />

PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CH<strong>IN</strong>A<br />

Tel: +86 571 8795 0296<br />

Fax: +86 571 8795 0295<br />

E-mail: stella.bu@doir.wa.gov.au<br />

EUROPE - London<br />

Mr Robert Fisher, Agent General<br />

Government <strong>of</strong> West. Aust. - European Office<br />

5th Floor, Australia Centre<br />

Corner <strong>of</strong> Str<strong>and</strong> & Melbourne Place<br />

LONDON WC2B 4LG<br />

UNITED K<strong>IN</strong>GDOM<br />

Tel: +44 20 7240 2881<br />

Fax: +44 20 7240 6637<br />

E-mail: agent_general@wago.co.uk<br />

Website: www.wago.co.uk<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DIA - Mumbai<br />

Ms Sonia Grinceri, Regional Director<br />

Western Australian Trade Office<br />

93, Jolly Maker Chambers No2<br />

9th Floor, Nariman Point<br />

MUMBAI 400 021<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DIA<br />

Tel: +91 22 5630 3973/74 & 78<br />

Fax +91 22 5630 3977<br />

E-mail: sonia.grinceri@doir.wa.gov.au<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DIA - Chennai (Madras)<br />

Mr K.V. Rajan Senior Trade Advisor<br />

1 Doshi Regency<br />

876 Poonamallee High Road Kilpauk<br />

CHENNAI 600 084 <strong>IN</strong>DIA<br />

Tel: +91 44 2640 0407<br />

Tel/Fax: +91 44 2643 0064<br />

Mobile: +91 098 410 4364<br />

E-mail: KVV.RAJAN@doir.wa.gov.au<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DONESIA - Jakarta<br />

Mr Trevor Boughton, Regional Director<br />

Western Australia Trade Office<br />

Australian Trade Commission<br />

Australian Embassy<br />

Jl H R Rasuna Said Kav C15-16<br />

Kuningan JAKARTA 12940 <strong>IN</strong>DONESIA<br />

Tel: +6221 2550 5331<br />

Fax: +6221 522 7103<br />

Mobile: +62 81 2301 4891<br />

Email: trevor.boughton@austrade.gov.au<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DONESIA - Surabaya<br />

Ms Lydia Agam, Manager<br />

Western Australia Trade Office<br />

Graha Pena, 17th Floor<br />

Jl. Ahmad Yani 88<br />

SURABAYA 60234 <strong>IN</strong>DONESIA<br />

Tel: +6231 829 9979<br />

Fax: +6231 829 9975<br />

Mobile: 62 81 2301 4892<br />

Email: lydia.agam@doir.wa.gov.au<br />

JAPAN - Tokyo<br />

Mr Craig Peacock, Official Representative<br />

North Asia<br />

Government <strong>of</strong> Western Australia Office<br />

Australian Business Centre<br />

28th Floor, New Otani Garden Court<br />

4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-Ku<br />

TOKYO 102-0094 JAPAN<br />

Tel: +81 3 5214 0791<br />

Fax: +81 3 5214 0796<br />

Email: tokyo@wajapan.net<br />

Web: www.wajapan.net<br />

JAPAN - Kobe<br />

Ms Noriko Hirata, Manager<br />

Government <strong>of</strong> Western Australia Office<br />

6th Floor Golden Sun Building<br />

3-6 Nakayamate-dori<br />

4-Chome Chuo-Ku<br />

KOBE 650-0004 JAPAN<br />

Tel: +81 78 242 7705<br />

Fax: +81 78 242 7707<br />

Email: kobe@wajapan.net<br />

MALAYSIA<br />

Ms Elaine Yong, Regional Director<br />

Western Australian Trade Office<br />

4th Floor, UBN Tower<br />

10 Jalan P Ramlee<br />

KUALA LUMPUR 50250 MALAYSIA<br />

Tel: +603 2031 8175/6<br />

Fax: +603 2031 8177<br />

Mobile: 012 2388 174<br />

E-mail: elaine.yong@doir.wa.gov.au<br />

MIDDLE EAST - Dubai<br />

Mr Chris Heysen, Regional Director<br />

Western Australian Trade Office<br />

Suite 106, Emarat Atrium Blg.<br />

PO Box 58007 DUBAI<br />

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES<br />

Tel: +971 4 343 3226<br />

Fax: +971 4 343 3238<br />

Mobile: +971 50 4567 448<br />

E-mail: chris.heysen@wato.ae<br />

TAIWAN- Taipei<br />

Mr Nicholas McKay,<br />

WA Business Development Manager<br />

Australian Commerce & Industry Office<br />

Australian Business Centre<br />

Suite 2606, International Trade Building<br />

#333 Keelung Road Section 1<br />

TAIPEI 110 TAIWAN R.O.C.<br />

Tel: +886 2 8725 4280<br />

Fax: +886 2 2757 6707<br />

Mobile: +886 937 455 431<br />

E-Mail: nicholas.mckay@austrade.gov.au<br />

THAILAND - Bangkok<br />

Mr Siraphop Apilertvorakorn, WA Business<br />

Development Manager<br />

Australian Trade Commission<br />

Australian Embassy<br />

37 South Sathorn Road<br />

BANGKOK 10120 THAILAND<br />

Tel: +662 287 2680 Ext 3307<br />

Fax: +662 287 2589 or<br />

+662 679 2090<br />

E-mail: siraphop@austrade.gov.au<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources<br />

PETROLEUM AND ROYALTIES DIVISION<br />

Mineral House<br />

100 Plain Street, East Perth<br />

Western Australia 6004<br />

Telephone +61 8 9222 3333<br />

Facsimile +61 9222 3430<br />

www.doir.wa.gov.au


The oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry is a significant contributor<br />

to the economic development <strong>of</strong> Western Australia<br />

<strong>and</strong> is the State’s largest resource sector, with total<br />

petroleum sales in 2002–03 <strong>of</strong> more than $10<br />

billion, or 37 per cent <strong>of</strong> the total value <strong>of</strong> the<br />

State’s mineral <strong>and</strong> petroleum sales, <strong>and</strong> annual<br />

exports <strong>of</strong> $7.8 billion in 2002–03 (Figure 1).<br />

The industry directly employs over 13,000 people in<br />

Australia. Around 900 Western Australian service<br />

<strong>and</strong> contracting companies are involved in the<br />

industry.<br />

The oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry has enormous potential,<br />

with increasing dem<strong>and</strong> for LNG in the USA, China,<br />

Korea <strong>and</strong> Japan, as well as opportunities for<br />

further downstream processing in WA. Gas is also a<br />

major source <strong>of</strong> energy for the State in electricity<br />

generation, minerals processing <strong>and</strong> service<br />

provision.<br />

Gold<br />

12%<br />

Iron ore<br />

20%<br />

Alumina<br />

11%<br />

Nickel<br />

9%<br />

Others<br />

11%<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

37%<br />

Minister’s Message<br />

Western Australia is increasingly becoming a major<br />

player in the global oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry. This<br />

position is predicated on a number <strong>of</strong> strategic<br />

advantages.<br />

First, WA has significant petroleum reserves, with<br />

our already world-class natural gas reserves<br />

expected to increase substantially with further<br />

exploration <strong>and</strong> advances in technology.<br />

Second, WA has a strong record <strong>of</strong> meeting supply<br />

commitments, led by Woodside’s faultless record in<br />

the export <strong>of</strong> LNG to Japan over the last two<br />

decades. This record contributes to Western<br />

Australia’s reputation as a low sovereign risk<br />

environment.<br />

Third, WA is proximate to many <strong>of</strong> the world’s<br />

fastest growing economies, making us ideally<br />

placed to both meet their energy needs <strong>and</strong> assist<br />

them in developing their own oil <strong>and</strong> gas industries.<br />

Crude Oil<br />

41%<br />

Natural Gas<br />

6%<br />

Condensate<br />

19%<br />

LPG - Butane<br />

2%<br />

LNG<br />

30%<br />

LPG - Propane<br />

2%<br />

Figure 1. Western Australia Resources Sales 2002-03 - $A27.9 billion (Graphic source: DoIR)<br />

PWA April Edition - Minister’s Message<br />

Hon. Clive Brown,<br />

Minister for State Development Western Australia<br />

Fourth, WA has a high quality <strong>and</strong> diverse skills<br />

base, with our traditional trades skills<br />

complemented by growing expertise in engineering<br />

design, engineering construction <strong>and</strong> fabrication.<br />

Fifth, WA is a wonderful place in which to live <strong>and</strong><br />

do business. We have a high <strong>and</strong> affordable<br />

st<strong>and</strong>ard <strong>of</strong> living <strong>and</strong> a warm <strong>and</strong> welcoming<br />

society.<br />

The challenge for WA is to take advantage <strong>of</strong> these<br />

strategic advantages <strong>and</strong> continue to become a<br />

major player in all levels <strong>of</strong> the oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry.<br />

We have to utilise WA’s strategic advantages <strong>and</strong><br />

the current boom in projects to develop local service<br />

<strong>and</strong> supply capabilities. It is for this reason that I<br />

organised the Summit on Maximising Western<br />

Australian Business <strong>and</strong> Employment Opportunities,<br />

which was held on Friday 27 February 2004 in the<br />

Legislative Assembly <strong>of</strong> the Western Australian<br />

Parliament.<br />

My vision is for a local support industry that will be<br />

able to provide competitively priced services <strong>and</strong><br />

supplies not only to our local Western Australia<br />

projects but also to the Asia Pacific region.<br />

Over 60 representatives <strong>of</strong> Industry, Government<br />

<strong>and</strong> the Unions attended the Summit to discuss<br />

ways to maximise the benefits to Western<br />

Australians from the State’s major oil <strong>and</strong> gas<br />

projects. It was a common view <strong>of</strong> those who<br />

attended that all parties should work together to<br />

maximise the business <strong>and</strong> employment<br />

opportunities. It was also a common view that<br />

ongoing communication <strong>and</strong> the building <strong>of</strong> trust<br />

between the key stakeholders were essential if<br />

progress was to continue.<br />

The major outcome <strong>of</strong> the Summit was the<br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> a new Coordinating Council which I<br />

3


4<br />

PWA April Edition - Minister’s Message<br />

will chair. The Tripartite Council will consist <strong>of</strong><br />

Industry, Government <strong>and</strong> Union movement leaders<br />

<strong>and</strong> will, for the first time, facilitate ongoing<br />

communication between the oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry’s<br />

major stakeholders.<br />

Early focus is to be on strategies to:<br />

• address barriers <strong>and</strong> impediments to accessing<br />

resources;<br />

• address <strong>and</strong> overcome barriers <strong>and</strong><br />

impediments to the successful participation <strong>of</strong><br />

local companies in the oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry;<br />

• urgently address current <strong>and</strong> future skill<br />

requirements in the industry <strong>and</strong> develop <strong>and</strong><br />

coordinate an oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry <strong>and</strong><br />

associated service industries training plan.<br />

I look forward to working with the new<br />

Coordinating Council to maximise business <strong>and</strong><br />

employment opportunities throughout the State. DoIR<br />

Linda oilfield’s jacket <strong>and</strong> deck, which were fabricated at the Australian Marine Complex.


2004 - It’s going to be a busy year<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> exploration in Western Australia has<br />

recovered to 2001 levels <strong>and</strong> there are more<br />

upstream developments on the horizon than we<br />

have ever had. About $11 billion in upstream oil<br />

<strong>and</strong> gas developments are either committed to or<br />

being evaluated prior to final commitment. The<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>and</strong> Royalties Division has a higher<br />

than ever base workload. In addition to this<br />

increased base load activity, the Division is<br />

implementing change on a number <strong>of</strong> fronts:<br />

NOPSA Transition<br />

The National Offshore <strong>Petroleum</strong> Safety Authority<br />

(NOPSA) is to start operation on the 1st <strong>of</strong> January<br />

2005. Western Australia has to prepare for the<br />

transfer <strong>of</strong> responsibility through amending State<br />

legislation <strong>and</strong> providing a seamless h<strong>and</strong>over. The<br />

State is unique in being the only State/Territory with<br />

Safety Offshore<br />

State<br />

7%<br />

PETROLEUM DIVISION WORK FUNCTIONS<br />

Onshore Pipelines<br />

Safety Onshore<br />

State<br />

Safety Offshore<br />

Cwlth<br />

15%<br />

5%<br />

5%<br />

Environment<br />

10%<br />

* 22% to NOPSA 1-1-05<br />

* Prior to Royalties joining the Division<br />

*<br />

*<br />

significant oil <strong>and</strong> gas operations <strong>of</strong>fshore in State<br />

waters <strong>and</strong> this has complicated arrangements.<br />

Detailed transition plans are being developed to<br />

identify interfaces between the continuing role <strong>of</strong><br />

the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources (DoIR) as<br />

the Designated Authority (DA) <strong>and</strong> NOPSA. DoIR will<br />

continue to provide regulatory services both <strong>of</strong>fshore<br />

<strong>and</strong> onshore for petroleum titles, resource<br />

management, <strong>and</strong> environment. Additionally, DoIR<br />

will provide regulatory services for onshore safety<br />

including drilling <strong>and</strong> production <strong>and</strong> pipelines as<br />

well as for some <strong>of</strong>fshore activities. An estimated<br />

split <strong>of</strong> resources necessary for these functions is<br />

shown in Figure 1. DoIR will effectively h<strong>and</strong> over<br />

22% <strong>of</strong> its responsibilities to NOPSA. A seminar is<br />

planned for later in the year (sponsored by NOPSA,<br />

DoIR, APPEA <strong>and</strong> the ACTU) to broadcast<br />

arrangements for the transition.<br />

Titles<br />

22%<br />

Admin/Exec<br />

10%<br />

Figure 1. Split <strong>of</strong> resources between DoIR <strong>and</strong> NOPSA<br />

Resources<br />

26%<br />

PWA April Edition - Director’s Comment<br />

Bill Tinapple,<br />

Director, <strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>and</strong> Royalties Division<br />

Legislation Amendments<br />

There are currently two petroleum legislation<br />

amendment bills <strong>of</strong> major significance being<br />

drafted:<br />

• NOPSA Amendments:<br />

These amendments to the WA petroleum<br />

legislation (<strong>Petroleum</strong> (Submerged L<strong>and</strong>s) Act<br />

1982, <strong>Petroleum</strong> Act 1967, <strong>and</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Pipelines Act 1969) will enable NOPSA to<br />

regulate safety in all the State’s coastal waters<br />

<strong>and</strong> under certain circumstances onshore, for<br />

example, where a pipeline development extends<br />

from <strong>of</strong>fshore to onshore. On those occasions,<br />

NOPSA will be contracted by way <strong>of</strong> a service<br />

level agreement. This package will also include<br />

the consequential amendments to the State’s<br />

submerged l<strong>and</strong>s legislation to allow for the<br />

Commonwealth’s plain English rewrite <strong>of</strong> the<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> (Submerged L<strong>and</strong>s) Act 1967.<br />

• Common Mining Code/Gorgon CO 2<br />

sequestration/Environmental<br />

Regulations/National Competition Policy<br />

Amendments:<br />

These amendments provide for the common<br />

mining code changes since 1994, changes to<br />

the <strong>Petroleum</strong> Act 1967 <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Pipelines Act 1969 to provide coverage <strong>of</strong> CO 2<br />

sequestration in the State’s onshore petroleum<br />

legislation to cater for the Gorgon gas<br />

development on Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong>, provision for the<br />

drafting <strong>of</strong> environmental regulations in all State<br />

petroleum legislation <strong>and</strong> minor National<br />

Competition Policy amendments.<br />

Workshop Outcomes<br />

Following the successful feedback received from the<br />

three breakfast workshops held by DoIR late in<br />

5


6<br />

PWA April Edition - Director’s Comment<br />

2003, the <strong>Department</strong> is following up to implement<br />

the recommendations made at the workshops.<br />

Topics presented <strong>and</strong> recommended actions were<br />

as follows.<br />

• Simplifying the <strong>Petroleum</strong> Act<br />

The <strong>Department</strong> is continuing to refine<br />

amendments. A discussion paper is being<br />

developed. Further consultation will be<br />

organised.<br />

• Greenfield/Frontier Exploration<br />

The APPEA Exploration Subcommittee proposals<br />

for a cascade title gazettal system to determine<br />

which acreage should be classified as frontier<br />

acreage has now been endorsed by the APPEA<br />

Council <strong>and</strong> is being evaluated by Government.<br />

An Exploration Working Group has been<br />

established by the Upstream <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Subcommittee.<br />

• Early Access to Data<br />

Industry placed a high priority on gaining early<br />

access to basic data <strong>and</strong> requested that<br />

Government endeavour to get more information<br />

out sooner. Data transcription <strong>and</strong> reprocessing <strong>of</strong><br />

seismic data is being given a high priority by DoIR.<br />

• Aquifer Depletion Studies<br />

DoIR has carried out aquifer depletion studies<br />

for the Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier Sub-basins, which<br />

indicated significant resources are potentially<br />

being lost. The <strong>Department</strong> is proposing that a<br />

national government <strong>and</strong> industry working group<br />

be established under the auspices <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Ministerial Council on Mineral <strong>and</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Resources to assess the implications <strong>of</strong> the<br />

issue <strong>and</strong> develop policies to address prevention<br />

<strong>and</strong> corrective measures.<br />

WA Acreage Releases<br />

In a continuing effort to maintain exploration,<br />

acreage releases are planned as follows:<br />

• WA State release opens on 30 March 2004 <strong>and</strong><br />

bids close 23 September 2004 with 3 blocks in<br />

State Waters in the Northern Carnarvon Basin, 2<br />

blocks onshore in the Perth Basin, <strong>and</strong> 1 block<br />

in the Officer Basin; <strong>and</strong><br />

• Commonwealth acreage release 2004 to be<br />

announced 29 March 2004, with the 1st round<br />

closing 30 September 2004. This round has 3<br />

blocks in the outer northern Rankin Platform, 3<br />

blocks in the Barrow Sub-basin <strong>and</strong> Rankin<br />

Platform, 3 blocks in the Exmouth <strong>and</strong> Barrow<br />

Sub-basins <strong>and</strong> 1 block in the Vlaming Subbasin,<br />

Perth Basin. The 2nd round, closing 31<br />

March 2005, has 1 block in the Bonaparte<br />

Basin, 4 blocks in the Exmouth Plateau <strong>and</strong> 2<br />

blocks in the Houtman Sub-basin, Perth Basin.<br />

A re-release <strong>of</strong> the 2003 areas not taken up is<br />

planned for both the Commonwealth <strong>and</strong> State<br />

areas.<br />

Electronic <strong>Petroleum</strong> Register<br />

The Electronic <strong>Petroleum</strong> Register (EPR) upgrade<br />

from an old database system to a modern webbased<br />

system is reaching completion. In conjunction<br />

with this will be the pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> concept testing <strong>of</strong> Eforms,<br />

which is the electronic update <strong>of</strong> information<br />

on the register from forms forwarded from<br />

companies electronically to the <strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

Royalties Division.<br />

2004 Direction<br />

Whale investigating the Legendre Production Facility (image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Woodside)<br />

The <strong>Department</strong> is committed to completing these<br />

activities in an effective manner, which will maintain<br />

the emphasis on stakeholder satisfaction that we<br />

have set as a benchmark. DoIR


Review <strong>of</strong> 2003<br />

Exploration, Production <strong>and</strong> Development Activities in Western Australia<br />

During the 2003 calendar year, 77 petroleum<br />

wells were drilled in Western Australia;<br />

comprising 14 development wells, 21 extension<br />

wells, <strong>and</strong> 42 new field wildcat wells. This level <strong>of</strong><br />

activity marks a significant increase on the<br />

previous year, where 51 wells were drilled. This<br />

has brought the State back to the high level <strong>of</strong><br />

drilling activity seen in 2000 <strong>and</strong> 2001 where 75<br />

wells were drilled in each <strong>of</strong> those years. The<br />

current level <strong>of</strong> activity is partly attributable to the<br />

continuing high oil price <strong>and</strong> improvements in the<br />

gas sales market. On a national level, Western<br />

Australia has attracted over 70% <strong>of</strong> Australia’s<br />

petroleum exploration expenditure during the<br />

year, indicating the State remains the most<br />

prospective area <strong>of</strong> Australia for new petroleum<br />

finds (Figure 1).<br />

Activity in the Perth Basin, particularly the northern<br />

portion <strong>of</strong> the basin, remains high, buoyed by the<br />

Cliff Head, Hovea <strong>and</strong> Jingemia discoveries in 2002<br />

(Figure 2). During 2003, three onshore <strong>and</strong> three<br />

<strong>of</strong>fshore exploration wells were drilled, along with<br />

10 development <strong>and</strong> extension wells drilled onshore<br />

<strong>and</strong> two extension wells drilled <strong>of</strong>fshore as part <strong>of</strong><br />

the Cliff Head project. Of the onshore exploration<br />

wells, Eremia 1 proved to be a success for ARC<br />

Energy just to the northwest <strong>of</strong> their Hovea<br />

discovery, while Eclipse 1 <strong>and</strong> Leafcutter 1 had<br />

some interesting gas shows, but were ab<strong>and</strong>oned<br />

as non-economic. The Northern Carnarvon Basin<br />

continues to be the centre <strong>of</strong> exploration <strong>and</strong><br />

development activity, with 31 <strong>of</strong> the 42 wildcat wells<br />

drilled in 2003 located in that basin, <strong>and</strong> 22<br />

development <strong>and</strong> extension wells spudded in the<br />

basin. A number <strong>of</strong> significant discoveries were<br />

made, including oil pools discovered by the BHP<br />

Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (BHPBP) wells Stybarrow 1,<br />

Ravensworth 1 <strong>and</strong> Crosby 1 (Figure 3). Four<br />

exploration wells were spudded in the Browse<br />

Basin, two <strong>of</strong> these discovering gas in Inpex’s<br />

WA-285-P permit, with the Ichthys 2 extension well<br />

drilled in November to assess the gas discovery<br />

made by Ichthys 1 in June. The sole exploration well<br />

in the <strong>of</strong>fshore Bonaparte Basin, Woodside’s Weasel<br />

1, was plugged <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned as a dry hole.<br />

The wave <strong>of</strong> drilling predicted last year in response<br />

to higher oil prices <strong>and</strong> an increase in gas contract<br />

availability appears to be occurring, with a mix <strong>of</strong><br />

exploration in both brownfields <strong>and</strong> greenfields<br />

areas. While some <strong>of</strong> the greenfields exploration<br />

results have been disappointing, for example the<br />

Maginnis <strong>and</strong> Strumbo wells in the Browse Basin,<br />

there is still a large amount <strong>of</strong> prospective acreage<br />

that is largely unexplored by modern techniques <strong>and</strong><br />

play concepts. Perhaps the most exciting <strong>of</strong> the<br />

upcoming greenfields exploration is the drilling <strong>of</strong><br />

the Sally May prospect (formerly known as the<br />

WA Exploration Expenditure ($ million)<br />

250<br />

200<br />

150<br />

100<br />

50<br />

0<br />

136.3<br />

141.7<br />

119.7<br />

82<br />

85.3<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

Darren Ferdin<strong>and</strong>o<br />

Research Geologist, Resources Branch<br />

Cetus prospect) in the central Canning Basin by<br />

Kingsway Resources 2001 later this year. If<br />

successful, this prospect has the potential to<br />

completely rewrite current thinking on the Canning<br />

Basin <strong>and</strong> introduce a number <strong>of</strong> new play targets<br />

to the region. In the coming year a number <strong>of</strong><br />

critical wells are also planned for the onshore<br />

northern Perth Basin, <strong>and</strong> success with these will<br />

help push the boundary <strong>of</strong> the region deemed<br />

prospective for liquid hydrocarbons further south.<br />

This, in turn will help spur on further exploration in<br />

the central Perth Basin region.<br />

The Whicher Range 5 well, drilled in the southern<br />

Perth Basin during the second half <strong>of</strong> the year,<br />

proved to be a mixed result for Amity Oil. While<br />

there is no question that there is a large gas<br />

resource in the Whicher Range field, the extraction<br />

<strong>of</strong> the gas from tight s<strong>and</strong>stone units affected by<br />

170.2<br />

191.5<br />

151.3<br />

177.9<br />

Sep-01 Dec-01 Mar-02 Jun-02 Sep-02 Dec-02 Mar-03 Jun-03 Sep-03<br />

Figure 1. <strong>Petroleum</strong> exploration expenditure in WA <strong>and</strong> % <strong>of</strong> total exploration expenditure in Australia.<br />

90%<br />

80%<br />

70%<br />

60%<br />

50%<br />

40%<br />

30%<br />

20%<br />

10%<br />

0%<br />

7<br />

Percentage <strong>of</strong> Australian Exploration Expenditure


8<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

swelling clays is proving to be a technological<br />

challenge. Work is currently being undertaken by<br />

Amity Oil to look at stimulating the reservoir so that<br />

commercial quantities <strong>of</strong> gas may be obtained from<br />

the field. As the Whicher Range field is situated at the<br />

southern end <strong>of</strong> the Dampier to Bunbury gas pipeline,<br />

it is strategically located to provide gas to a large<br />

number <strong>of</strong> electricity-intensive industries in the South<br />

West, such as the Alcoa aluminium operations.<br />

Looking at other greenfields locations likely to be<br />

explored in the coming year, the <strong>of</strong>fshore northern<br />

Perth Basin will again see significant activity.<br />

Despite the disappointment associated with the<br />

drilling <strong>of</strong> Twin Lions, Vindara <strong>and</strong> Mentelle in<br />

February 2003 <strong>and</strong> Morangie in 2002, some<br />

interesting results were obtained. Residual oil<br />

columns were recorded in a number <strong>of</strong> these wells<br />

in Late <strong>and</strong> Early Permian s<strong>and</strong>stones, with followup<br />

drilling expected to occur soon in the Apache<br />

Energy <strong>and</strong> ROC Oil operated permits between<br />

Dongara <strong>and</strong> the Abrolhos Isl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />

Continued exploration in the Exmouth Sub-basin on<br />

targets found using the 2D <strong>and</strong> 3D seismic<br />

coverage acquired over the last few years paid<br />

dividends this year for BHPBP. The play fairway they<br />

modelled in the centre <strong>of</strong> the sub-basin came up<br />

trumps for Stybarrow with 18.6 m <strong>of</strong> net oil pay <strong>and</strong><br />

this was followed-up by successful drilling <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Ravensworth prospect, with the well encountering a<br />

37 m oil column overlain by a 7 m gas cap. Even<br />

the Eskdale prospect, which appears to be<br />

subcommercial, was a technical success for BHPBP<br />

with oil shows in tight s<strong>and</strong>stone confirming the<br />

presence <strong>of</strong> a valid trap <strong>and</strong> oil migration. BHPBP<br />

were not as successful in the Browse Basin<br />

however, with their first well in the region, Maginnis<br />

1, penetrating a thick pile <strong>of</strong> volcanic sediment <strong>and</strong><br />

basalt in what was interpreted to be Plover<br />

S<strong>and</strong>stone. While this is a set-back for BHPBP <strong>and</strong><br />

its Joint Venture partners in these permits, the size<br />

<strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the possible traps <strong>and</strong> the presence <strong>of</strong><br />

source <strong>and</strong> migration to the east <strong>and</strong> possibly the<br />

west, mean that work here will continue. BHPBP are<br />

currently re-evaluating their data on the region so<br />

the extent <strong>and</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> Jurassic volcanic activity<br />

on the petroleum prospectivity is fully understood.<br />

Exploration activity in the Barrow Sub-basin was<br />

once again dominated by Apache Energy operated<br />

Joint Ventures, assisted by Tap Oil <strong>and</strong> Woodside<br />

Energy operated Joint Ventures. While no significant<br />

new discoveries were made in the sub-basin, a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> small discoveries were made in permits<br />

under Apache operatorship, which are likely to be<br />

put into production in the near future. The Apache<br />

philosophy <strong>of</strong> drilling many, low-cost wells over<br />

relatively small prospects in an area where it has a<br />

strong underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> the petroleum system,<br />

instead <strong>of</strong> focussing on finding high-risk, highreward<br />

targets, appears to be paying <strong>of</strong>f. The<br />

Blackdragon prospect, which will be drilled early in<br />

2004, is perhaps the exception to this, but all<br />

indications from Apache are that this prospect looks<br />

extremely good.<br />

The level <strong>of</strong> exploration activity seen in Western<br />

Australia at present appears to be sustainable over<br />

the medium term based on the number <strong>of</strong> wells that<br />

are to be drilled as part <strong>of</strong> permit commitments for<br />

the next 5 years. The acreage in both<br />

Commonwealth <strong>and</strong> State areas that was released<br />

over the last two years have now in almost all cases<br />

either successfully negotiated Native Title<br />

Agreements or are in the final stages <strong>of</strong> reaching<br />

Native Agreement <strong>and</strong> exploration will soon<br />

commence. Future release areas, with<br />

accompanying pre-competitive prospectivity<br />

packages <strong>and</strong> data, are underway with acreage in<br />

the Northern Carnarvon, Perth <strong>and</strong> Officer Basins<br />

<strong>and</strong> a future release <strong>of</strong> further Canning Basin areas<br />

in the planning stage. While the farmin market at<br />

present is sluggish, it is hoped that as interest in<br />

the exploration ‘hot spots’ <strong>of</strong> the Perth <strong>and</strong> Northern<br />

Carnarvon Basins increases, a number <strong>of</strong><br />

multinational <strong>and</strong> larger Australian ‘junior’ explorers<br />

will take the opportunity to invest in the prospective<br />

Western Australian acreage that will be on <strong>of</strong>fer in<br />

the coming year.<br />

On the production <strong>and</strong> development side, further<br />

development at the Hovea <strong>and</strong> Eremia oilfields,<br />

including drilling <strong>of</strong> water injector wells to assist in<br />

maintaining pressure support for the field continued<br />

with 4 development wells drilled there during 2003.<br />

Testing <strong>of</strong> the Jingemia oilfield in preparation for<br />

submission <strong>of</strong> a field development plan in 2004<br />

continued during the second half <strong>of</strong> 2003. In the<br />

<strong>of</strong>fshore Perth Basin, the Cliff Head oilfield was<br />

declared commercial by the Joint Venture <strong>and</strong> they<br />

have commenced front-end engineering <strong>and</strong> design<br />

studies <strong>and</strong> submitted a field development plan to<br />

DoIR. It is expected that first oil will come from the<br />

field in late 2005. Apache Energy drilled a number<br />

<strong>of</strong> development <strong>and</strong> appraisal wells, with two fields<br />

brought online as one or two well producers: Hoover<br />

<strong>and</strong> North Pedirka. The Enfield development, due to<br />

commence production in 2006, gained<br />

environmental approvals for the development <strong>and</strong><br />

were in the final stages <strong>of</strong> obtaining approval for<br />

their field development plan from the State <strong>and</strong><br />

Commonwealth upstream petroleum regulators.<br />

DoIR granted a retention lease over the Blacktip<br />

gasfield in late 2003 as one <strong>of</strong> the initial steps in<br />

bringing the field on-stream to supply gas to the<br />

Alcan aluminium refinery in Gove. During the year<br />

approval was also granted in principle by the State<br />

Government for the Gorgon gasfield development to<br />

commence, including the use <strong>of</strong> l<strong>and</strong> on Barrow<br />

Isl<strong>and</strong> (an ‘A’ class nature reserve) to house gas<br />

processing facilities.<br />

ACTIVITY BY BAS<strong>IN</strong><br />

Perth Basin<br />

Within the Perth Basin, three onshore <strong>and</strong> three<br />

<strong>of</strong>fshore exploration wells were drilled. The <strong>of</strong>fshore<br />

wells were follow-up wells to the Cliff Head<br />

discovery <strong>and</strong> all were plugged <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned,<br />

with Twin Lions 1 <strong>and</strong> Vindara 1 classified as dry<br />

<strong>and</strong> Mentelle 1 having indications <strong>of</strong> a 50 m<br />

residual oil column. Of the onshore wells, Leafcutter<br />

1 intersected some interesting residual oil<br />

indications <strong>and</strong> Eclipse 1, drilled in the central Perth<br />

Basin, penetrated some minor oil shows in the<br />

Cattamarra Coal Measures. In October the OD&E<br />

Rig 28, brought in from SE Asia, spudded the<br />

Whicher Range 5 well. The well has been<br />

suspended after air-drilling operations failed to go<br />

as planned after water break-through. While<br />

elevated gas shows were recorded, further study is<br />

being undertaken by Amity Oil to assess whether a<br />

commercial flow can be obtained through a ‘dry’<br />

fracc process.<br />

The major success for 2003 in the Perth Basin was<br />

Eremia 1, drilled to the northwest <strong>of</strong> the Hovea<br />

oilfield. Development drilling for the Cliff Head<br />

oilfield saw Cliff Head 3 <strong>and</strong> 4 drilled early in 2003,<br />

<strong>and</strong> development <strong>of</strong> the Hovea oilfield saw Hovea<br />

wells 4 through to 10 drilled in 2003, with Hovea<br />

10 drilled as a water injector well to maintain<br />

pressure support for the Hovea field.<br />

Eremia 1<br />

ARC Energy drilled Eremia 1 in their L1 production<br />

permit, roughly 2 km to the north-northwest <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Hovea oilfield in a similar style <strong>of</strong> fault-bounded trap<br />

to that found in Hovea. The well intersected a 15 m<br />

oil column in the Upper Permian Dongara<br />

S<strong>and</strong>stone. The field has been production tested<br />

<strong>and</strong> is currently online <strong>and</strong> producing into the Hovea<br />

facility at a rate <strong>of</strong> 238 kL/d (1500 bbl/d). A followup<br />

horizontal well, Eremia 2 was drilled in November<br />

<strong>and</strong> completed as a producer.<br />

Northern Carnarvon Basin<br />

During the 2003 calendar year, 33 exploration <strong>and</strong><br />

22 development/extension wells were drilled in the<br />

Northern Carnarvon Basin. A number <strong>of</strong> oil <strong>and</strong> gas<br />

discoveries were made, the most significant <strong>of</strong><br />

which are Stybarrow, Ravensworth <strong>and</strong> Crosby.<br />

North Perdirka 1<br />

The North Perdirka oilfield is located approximately<br />

15 km east <strong>of</strong> Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> in Apache operated<br />

licence TL/6. The well intersected an 8 m oil column<br />

in the Flag S<strong>and</strong>stone <strong>and</strong> was brought into<br />

production immediately through the Victoria Platform.<br />

Stybarrow 1<br />

The Stybarrow oilfield, operated by BHP Billiton<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> is located in WA-255-P. Stybarrow 1<br />

intersected a 23 m gross (18.6 m net) oil column in<br />

the top Macedon Member.<br />

Cyrano 1<br />

Cyrano 1 targeted a rollover anticline in the Tap Oil<br />

operated permit EP 364 (R1), 4 km to the southwest<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Nasutus oilfield. The well intersected a 29 m<br />

gross hydrocarbon column comprising a 19 m gas<br />

column in the Lower Cretaceous Mardie Greens<strong>and</strong>


GASCOYNE<br />

SIGNIFICANT<br />

HYDROCARBON DISCOVERIES<br />

CUVIER<br />

ABYSSAL<br />

PLA<strong>IN</strong><br />

<strong>IN</strong>DIAN<br />

ABYSSAL<br />

OCEAN<br />

Refer to Figure 3<br />

EXMOUTH<br />

PLATEAU<br />

CARNARVON<br />

PERTH<br />

NATURALISTE<br />

PLATEAU<br />

in <strong>WESTERN</strong> <strong>AUSTRALIA</strong><br />

ABYSSAL<br />

PLA<strong>IN</strong><br />

PLA<strong>IN</strong><br />

Oil<br />

GERALDTON<br />

ONSLOW<br />

EXMOUTH<br />

FREMANTLE<br />

ARGO ABYSSAL PLA<strong>IN</strong><br />

0 100 400<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources<br />

112^<br />

as at February 2004<br />

114^<br />

Gas<br />

Oil <strong>and</strong> Gas<br />

Kilometres<br />

DAMPIER - BUNBURY NATURAL GAS PIPEL<strong>IN</strong>E<br />

PARMELIA PIPEL<strong>IN</strong>E<br />

DAMPIER<br />

PORT HEDLAND<br />

KARRATHA ROEBOURNE<br />

PERTH<br />

BUNBURY<br />

BUSSELTON<br />

NORTH<br />

MEEKATHARRA<br />

Whicher Range<br />

116^<br />

MIDWEST PIPEL<strong>IN</strong>E<br />

See Enlargement<br />

Gingin<br />

ALBANY<br />

118^<br />

WEST<br />

Sumba<br />

NEWMAN<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DIAN<br />

OCEAN<br />

SCOTT<br />

PLATEAU<br />

SHELF<br />

Sawu<br />

Scott Reef<br />

Brecknock<br />

Brecknock South<br />

GOLDFIELDS<br />

NATURAL GAS<br />

SOUTHERN<br />

120^<br />

PIPEL<strong>IN</strong>E<br />

BROOME<br />

Roti<br />

Dinichthys<br />

Point Torment<br />

KALGOORLIE<br />

DERBY<br />

ESPERANCE<br />

Timor<br />

Territory <strong>of</strong> Ashmore<br />

<strong>and</strong><br />

Cartier Isl<strong>and</strong>s (N.T.)<br />

Titanichthys<br />

Ichthys<br />

Gorgonichthys<br />

Yulleroo<br />

Cudalgarra<br />

OCEAN<br />

Figure 2. Significant Hydrocarbon discoveries in Western Australia.<br />

122^<br />

Pictor<br />

124^<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review 9<br />

Laminaria<br />

Saratoga<br />

Prometheus<br />

Cornea<br />

Lennard Shelf<br />

Oilfields<br />

Looma<br />

Joint <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Development Area<br />

Buffalo<br />

Proposed Bayu-Undan<br />

Pipeline<br />

Petrel<br />

Tern<br />

Blacktip<br />

Waggon Creek<br />

WYNDHAM<br />

St George Range<br />

GERALDTON<br />

Dongara<br />

Jingemia<br />

Cliff Head<br />

Beharra<br />

Springs<br />

Woodada<br />

126^<br />

MIDWEST PIPEL<strong>IN</strong>E<br />

Mt Horner<br />

Eremia<br />

Hovea<br />

Beharra<br />

Springs<br />

PARMELIA PIPEL<strong>IN</strong>E<br />

North<br />

GEOCENTRIC DATUM <strong>of</strong> <strong>AUSTRALIA</strong><br />

NTv2 GRID FILE TRANSFORMATION<br />

128^<br />

-12^<br />

-14^<br />

-16^<br />

-18^<br />

-20^<br />

-22^<br />

-24^<br />

-26^<br />

-28^<br />

-30^<br />

-32^<br />

-34^<br />

pwawellsGDA_Jan03.lat


10<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

114^ 116^<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources<br />

Norfolk<br />

Pitcairn<br />

Mutineer<br />

Exeter<br />

Egret<br />

Talisman<br />

Lambert/Hermes<br />

Angel<br />

Cossack<br />

Eaglehawk<br />

Athena<br />

Capella<br />

Perseus<br />

Significant North West Shelf<br />

Hydrocarbon Discoveries<br />

Legendre<br />

Legendre South<br />

Wanaea<br />

North<br />

Rankin<br />

Goodwyn<br />

Gaea<br />

Echo/Yodel<br />

Keast<br />

Tidepole<br />

Rankin Dockrell<br />

West Dixon Dixon<br />

HYDROCARBON DISCOVERIES<br />

Urania<br />

Io<br />

FEBRUARY 2004<br />

Gas<br />

Oil<br />

Oil & Gas<br />

Jansz<br />

Scarborough<br />

Sage<br />

Iago<br />

Geryon<br />

PRODUCTION FACILITIES<br />

20^<br />

Reindeer/Caribou<br />

Wilcox<br />

Dionysus<br />

Orthrus<br />

A<br />

W<strong>and</strong>oo<br />

Corvus<br />

Maenad<br />

B<br />

Chrysaor<br />

West Tryal Rocks<br />

Stag<br />

Commonwealth Jurisdiction<br />

State Jurisdiction<br />

Burrup Peninsula<br />

KARRATHA<br />

North Gorgon<br />

Central Gorgon<br />

Gorgon<br />

C<br />

Spar<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

B<br />

Montebello Isl<strong>and</strong>s<br />

Thomas Bright John Brookes<br />

Campbell<br />

Wonnich Linda Sinbad<br />

Montgomery<br />

Bambra Rose/Lee<br />

Maitl<strong>and</strong><br />

Harriet A Gipsy/North Gipsy<br />

Agincourt<br />

Monty<br />

Rosette<br />

Josephine/Baker<br />

East Spar Little S<strong>and</strong>y/Pedirka Alkimos/Tanami/Simpson<br />

Double Isl<strong>and</strong> Varanus Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

Gibson/South Plato<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

Victoria<br />

Woollybutt<br />

Pasco<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DIAN<br />

DAMPIER<br />

OCEAN<br />

Conventional platform<br />

Mini platform<br />

Jack-up rig<br />

Monopod/Minipod<br />

Subsea completion, well<br />

Navigation, Comm<strong>and</strong>,<br />

<strong>and</strong> Control Buoy<br />

Floating Production Storage<br />

<strong>and</strong> Offloading vessel<br />

LNG carrier<br />

Oil carrier<br />

Pipeline, possible pipeline route<br />

ROEBOURNE<br />

LNG storage tanks<br />

Oil storage tanks<br />

Onshore production facility<br />

Under construction<br />

Proposed development<br />

South Pepper<br />

North Herald<br />

Chinook/Scindian<br />

Griffin<br />

Chervil<br />

Coniston Airlie Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

Novara<br />

Skiddaw Vincent<br />

Crest<br />

Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

A<br />

Stybarrow<br />

Ravensworth<br />

B Saladin<br />

Enfield Crosby<br />

Corowa Yammaderry<br />

C<br />

Macedon/<br />

Cowle<br />

Laverda<br />

Scafell Pyrenees<br />

Roller Skate<br />

A<br />

C<br />

B ONSLOW<br />

Figure 3. North West Shelf production facilities <strong>and</strong> significant hydrocarbon discoveries.<br />

Ab<strong>and</strong>oned field<br />

Onslow<br />

Tubridgi<br />

EXMOUTH<br />

Rivoli<br />

22^<br />

22^<br />

Yardie East<br />

Cape Range<br />

LOCALITY<br />

MAP<br />

Rough Range<br />

Parrot Hill<br />

<strong>WESTERN</strong><br />

50 km<br />

<strong>AUSTRALIA</strong><br />

Map produced by <strong>Petroleum</strong> Division, <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources WA.<br />

Maritime boundary data supplied by Geoscience Australia <strong>and</strong> is AMBIS 2001 data.<br />

116^<br />

114^


underlain by a 10 m gross oil column at the top <strong>of</strong><br />

the Birdrong S<strong>and</strong>stone.<br />

Crosby 1<br />

The Crosby field, located in WA-12-R <strong>and</strong> operated<br />

by BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong>, is situated 106 km westnorthwest<br />

<strong>of</strong> Onslow. Crosby 1 penetrated 7 m <strong>of</strong><br />

gas overlying 36 m <strong>of</strong> oil in the Pyrenees Member<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Lower Barrow Group in a complex structural<br />

trap between the Scafell Trend <strong>and</strong> the Novara Arch<br />

in the Exmouth Sub-basin.<br />

Ravensworth 1<br />

Ravensworth 1 was drilled in WA-155-P,<br />

approximately 108 km west-northwest <strong>of</strong> Onslow.<br />

The well encountered a 44 m gross hydrocarbon<br />

column consisting <strong>of</strong> 7 m <strong>of</strong> gas <strong>and</strong> 37 m <strong>of</strong> oil in<br />

the Pyrenees Member s<strong>and</strong>s.<br />

Browse Basin<br />

Within the Browse Basin, four exploration wells were<br />

drilled: Ichthys 1, Ichthys Deep 1, Maginnis 1 <strong>and</strong><br />

Strumbo 1, with Ichthys <strong>and</strong> Ichthys Deep both<br />

intersecting thick zones <strong>of</strong> gas pay. Neither<br />

Maginnis nor Strumbo intersected any<br />

hydrocarbons. An appraisal well, Ichthys 2, was<br />

drilled to assist in determining the extent <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Ichthys gasfield.<br />

Ichthys 1 <strong>and</strong> Ichthys Deep 1<br />

These wells were drilled by Inpex in their 100%<br />

owned permit WA-285-P. The wells encountered<br />

excellent gas shows in their target horizons <strong>and</strong><br />

follow-up gas discoveries at Gorgonichthys,<br />

Dinichthys <strong>and</strong> Titanichthys made in 2002.<br />

Bonaparte Basin<br />

The only well drilled in the Bonaparte Basin was<br />

Weasel 1 by Woodside Energy in WA-279-P. The<br />

well did not intersect any hydrocarbons <strong>and</strong> was<br />

plugged <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned.<br />

PETROLEUM RESERVES AND RESOURCES<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> reserves in Western Australia have been<br />

compiled under two main headings – ‘developed<br />

fields’ <strong>and</strong> ‘undeveloped fields’. Developed fields are<br />

those currently producing fields that are located<br />

either <strong>of</strong>fshore in Commonwealth or State Waters or<br />

onshore within Western Australia. The reserves<br />

quoted are remaining reserves as at 31 December<br />

2003. Undeveloped fields have reserves associated<br />

with the static petroleum resources that may be<br />

developed in the future.<br />

In all <strong>of</strong> the above categories, reserves or resources<br />

have been quoted at the 90% <strong>and</strong> 50% probability<br />

<strong>of</strong> recovery levels (P90 <strong>and</strong> P50).<br />

The reserves for undeveloped fields are the<br />

reserves associated with the static petroleum<br />

resources that may be developed in the future.<br />

Undeveloped fields have been subdivided into three<br />

categories as follows:<br />

• Category 1, Potential for early development<br />

• Category 2, Expected medium to long term<br />

development<br />

• Category 3, Not currently viable; subject to<br />

Retention Lease<br />

The overall reserves <strong>and</strong> production figures for<br />

Western Australia up to 31 December are listed<br />

in Table 1.<br />

EXPLORATION ACTIVITY<br />

(Compiled from data provided by companies; where<br />

there is no report for a company, it is due to them<br />

not submitting a report)<br />

Apache Energy<br />

In the calendar year 2003, Apache operated 18<br />

exploration wells, 11 appraisal wells <strong>and</strong> 4<br />

development wells. Three field discoveries were<br />

confirmed <strong>and</strong> all appraisal wells but two <strong>and</strong> all<br />

development wells were successful.<br />

Taunton 3 <strong>and</strong> 3ST (TL/2) were to confirm the<br />

easterly extent <strong>of</strong> the field. Both wells encountered<br />

oil-bearing reservoir section <strong>of</strong> similar thickness <strong>and</strong><br />

quality to the discovery well, Taunton 1 drilled in<br />

1991.<br />

Thomas Bright 1 <strong>and</strong> 2 (WA-214-P) were drilled to<br />

establish the presence <strong>of</strong> gas-bearing s<strong>and</strong>s over<br />

the southern portion <strong>of</strong> the John Brookes-Tryal<br />

Rocks Anticline. Both wells encountered the main<br />

pay section seen at John Brookes 1 <strong>and</strong> both were<br />

gas bearing. Deeper gas-bearing s<strong>and</strong>s were also<br />

encountered at Thomas Bright 1. The outcome <strong>of</strong><br />

these wells in combination with John Brookes 1 has<br />

led the WA-214-P participants to proceed with the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the field.<br />

North Pedirka 1 (TL/1) was drilled from the Victoria<br />

Platform <strong>and</strong> encountered an 8 m gross oil column<br />

in the massive Flag S<strong>and</strong>stone. The well was<br />

immediately completed <strong>and</strong> brought on production.<br />

Ginger 1 well was drilled to evaluate a Biggada<br />

prospect identified by bright seismic amplitudes.<br />

Table 1. 2003 Production <strong>and</strong> reserves for Western Australia<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review 11<br />

The well encountered a 21 m gross gas column<br />

within a tight s<strong>and</strong>stone reservoir. No gas/water<br />

contact was encountered. The commercial viability<br />

<strong>of</strong> Ginger remains uncertain pending the analysis <strong>of</strong><br />

reprocessed seismic data.<br />

Apache expects to drill more than 35 wells during<br />

2004. Exploration activities will comprise more than<br />

20 wells <strong>and</strong> be mainly concentrated in the Varanus<br />

Isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Dampier areas. A highlight <strong>of</strong> the year will<br />

be Blackdragon 1 in the Exmouth Sub-basin (WA-<br />

335-P). This well is situated in over 1400 m <strong>of</strong> water<br />

<strong>and</strong> is Apache’s first deep water well in Australia.<br />

Arc Energy<br />

ARC Energy participated in the drilling <strong>of</strong> 14 <strong>of</strong> the<br />

77 wells drilled in Western Australia in 2003 <strong>and</strong><br />

operated seven <strong>of</strong> these.<br />

2003 Exploration Highlights<br />

Exploration drilling at Eremia 1, in the onshore<br />

resulted in a commercial oil discovery at Eremia.<br />

Offshore, the Twin Lions 1, Mentelle 1 <strong>and</strong> Vindara<br />

1 wells were unsuccessful.<br />

The Hibbertia 3D seismic survey identified a number<br />

<strong>of</strong> gas prospects east <strong>of</strong> the Hovea oilfield <strong>and</strong> north<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Beharra Springs gasfield that will be drilled in<br />

2004. Preparations are underway for the acquisition<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Denison 3D seismic survey over the eastern<br />

oil fairway in L1/L2, <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> gravity data has<br />

already been acquired over this oil fairway.<br />

BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Outer Browse Area<br />

BHP Billiton regards the deep water Outer Browse<br />

Basin as a frontier basin with high potential <strong>and</strong><br />

little prior exploration.<br />

In 2000, the company was awarded five blocks:<br />

WA-301-P, WA-302-P, WA-303-P, WA-304-P <strong>and</strong><br />

WA-305-P. These blocks comprise around<br />

25 000 km 2 <strong>and</strong> lie in water depths ranging from<br />

1000 to 3000 metres.<br />

Category Oil (GL) Condensate (GL) Gas (Gm 3 )<br />

Developed Fields<br />

2003 Production 14.054 6.606 27.435<br />

Remaining Reserves P90 33.449 51.968 462.253<br />

P50 60.015 75.757 592.933<br />

Undeveloped Reserves<br />

Category 1 P90 36.681 38.295 214.656<br />

P50 54.057 55.871 304.145<br />

Category 2 P90 8.900 3.400 31.750<br />

P50 13.300 7.500 62.190<br />

Category 3 P90 4.980 87.509 1530.892<br />

P50 8.660 141.275 2385.666


12<br />

In 2002, a major remote sensing programme<br />

including a geotechnical piston core survey was<br />

undertaken in the five blocks to help underst<strong>and</strong> the<br />

likelihood <strong>of</strong> a working petroleum system.<br />

Early in 2003, BHP Billiton drilled the Maginnis 1<br />

well in WA-302-P. Maginnis 1 was located in<br />

approximately 1300 m <strong>of</strong> water <strong>and</strong> was drilled by<br />

the Jack Ryan dynamically positioned drill ship. BHP<br />

Billiton, on behalf <strong>of</strong> the respective Joint Venture<br />

partners, also acquired a combined 510 km 2 <strong>of</strong> 3D<br />

seismic data over permits WA-303-P <strong>and</strong> WA-304-P.<br />

The focus has been to incorporate the Maginnis 1<br />

results <strong>and</strong> data <strong>and</strong> interpret the seismic data.<br />

BHP Billiton is the operator in all five blocks. The<br />

ownership interests are:<br />

• WA-301-P, Kerr McGee, 50%; BHP Billiton, 50%<br />

• WA-302-P, Texaco, 33%; Kerr McGee, 33%;<br />

BHP Billiton, 33%<br />

• WA-303-P, Texaco, 33%; Kerr McGee, 33%;<br />

BHP Billiton, 33%<br />

• WA-304-P, Kerr McGee, 50%; BHP Billiton, 50%<br />

• WA-305-P, Texaco, 33%; Kerr McGee, 33%;<br />

BHP Billiton, 33%.<br />

Carnarvon Basin<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> is the operator <strong>of</strong> exploration<br />

permits WA-255-P, WA-155-P(1) as well as<br />

retention lease WA-12-R (Macedon-Pyrenees fields)<br />

<strong>and</strong> production licences WA-10-L <strong>and</strong> WA-12-L<br />

(Griffin-Chinook-Scindian complex), all located<br />

within the <strong>of</strong>fshore Carnarvon Basin, Western<br />

Australia.<br />

During the second half <strong>of</strong> 2003, our Western<br />

Australian exploration focus was on the Exmouth<br />

Sub-basin <strong>of</strong> the Carnarvon Basin, with drilling<br />

activity in permits WA-155-P(1) <strong>and</strong> WA-12-R, <strong>and</strong><br />

exploration studies following an active drilling<br />

programme in WA-255-P.<br />

In WA-255-P (BHP Billiton 50%, operator), data<br />

gathered from a 4-well programme undertaken from<br />

February to June 2003 were analysed <strong>and</strong> results<br />

interpreted in preparation for a renewed drilling<br />

campaign proposed for the first half <strong>of</strong> 2004.<br />

Our exploration activity in WA-155-P(1) (BHP Billiton<br />

39.999%, operator) focused on extension <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Pyrenees-Vincent heavy oil play. An exploration well,<br />

Ravensworth 1, was drilled in July 2003 using the<br />

Sedco 703, approximately 10 km southeast <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Vincent oil <strong>and</strong> gas field. The well encountered a 37<br />

m oil column with a 7 m gas cap in high quality<br />

s<strong>and</strong>stones <strong>and</strong> after sidetracking to acquire core<br />

across the reservoir, Ravensworth 1 was plugged<br />

<strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned, as planned.<br />

The Ravensworth discovery was followed up in<br />

ChevronTexaco’s Greater Gorgon Area (Image courtesy <strong>of</strong> ChevronTexeco)<br />

October 2003 by an exploration well on the<br />

adjacent Crosby feature in WA-12-R. Ravensworth<br />

<strong>and</strong> Crosby are currently being evaluated, along<br />

with several undrilled prospects in WA-12-R inbetween<br />

Crosby 1 <strong>and</strong> West Muiron 5.<br />

The Van Gogh 1ST well was drilled in WA-155-P(1)<br />

to test the northern part <strong>of</strong> the Vincent field,<br />

discovered by Vincent 1 (Woodside, 1999). The<br />

results <strong>of</strong> BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong>’s Van Gogh 1ST<br />

<strong>and</strong> Woodside’s Vincent 1 <strong>and</strong> 2 wells are currently<br />

being evaluated.<br />

ChevronTexaco<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> / Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong> Licences<br />

ChevronTexaco continued to develop its exploration<br />

portfolio within the exploration <strong>and</strong> production<br />

licences <strong>of</strong> the Barrow <strong>and</strong> Thevenard areas.<br />

Exploration focus was on oil plays close to existing<br />

production facilities. No exploration drilling was<br />

undertaken in the Barrow <strong>and</strong> Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

regions during 2003.<br />

The renewal <strong>of</strong> Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> onshore exploration<br />

permits EP61 <strong>and</strong> EP62 was granted in 2003.<br />

Exploration permit TP/2 is currently subsisting<br />

awaiting formal renewal approval.<br />

In the Thevenard area, the only activity was the<br />

assignment <strong>of</strong> ChevronTexaco Australia’s interest in<br />

exploration permit TP/3 to Santos.<br />

There are no planned exploration activities for 2004<br />

in the Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> or Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong> regions.<br />

Greater Gorgon Area Gas Assets<br />

There were no exploration drilling activities in 2003<br />

within the Greater Gorgon Area exploration permits in<br />

the area including <strong>and</strong> to the west <strong>of</strong> the Gorgon field.<br />

Activities during the last twelve months in the<br />

Greater Gorgon Area were focused on retaining the<br />

recently discovered gas in WA-267-P <strong>and</strong> WA-25-P<br />

<strong>and</strong> extensions <strong>of</strong> these resources into WA-253-P.<br />

Ten retention leases have been awarded to<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia <strong>and</strong> their partners during<br />

the last two years covering the Iago, Geryon,<br />

Orthrus-Maenad, Urania, Io-South, <strong>and</strong> Io-Eurytion<br />

gasfields (from WA-25-P, WA-267-P, <strong>and</strong> WA-253-<br />

P). The remaining WA-267-P <strong>and</strong> WA-25-P<br />

graticular blocks were surrendered during 2003.<br />

In addition, <strong>and</strong> concurrent to this, marketing efforts<br />

for the sale <strong>of</strong> the Gorgon Area gas (which includes<br />

Spar, West Tryal Rocks <strong>and</strong> the Gorgon gasfields) was<br />

the main focus for ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

during 2003. These three Gorgon Area gasfields were<br />

renewed for a further five years in August 2003.<br />

Seismic acquisition was undertaken in WA-253-P<br />

(Wheatstone 2D MSS), WA-268-P (Champagne 2D<br />

MSS) <strong>and</strong> WA-205-P (Acme 3D MSS) to fulfil their<br />

respective work commitments. Wheatstone 2D MSS<br />

comprised 625 line km while Champagne 2D MSS<br />

2430 line km <strong>and</strong> Acme 3D MSS 220 km 2 . The


acquisition had incident free operations.<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd participated in the drilling <strong>of</strong><br />

the Mobil operated Jansz 3 well. The well was<br />

successfully production tested, with a peak rate <strong>of</strong> 2<br />

Mm 3 /d (72.6 MMcf/d).<br />

A major event during 2003 was the announcement<br />

<strong>of</strong> the ratification <strong>of</strong> the State legislation that will<br />

allow Gorgon limited access to Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> for the<br />

construction <strong>of</strong> a gas processing plant. Many other<br />

approvals are required before Gorgon can start<br />

construction <strong>of</strong> the plant notwithst<strong>and</strong>ing the<br />

stringent environmental approvals.<br />

Two large seismic programs have been planned for<br />

2004 in the Greater Gorgon Area. The Ch<strong>and</strong>on 3D<br />

MSS will focus on the Ch<strong>and</strong>on Prospect in WA-<br />

268-P <strong>and</strong> the Io-Jansz 3D MSS will further<br />

delineate the large gas resource discovered by the<br />

Io <strong>and</strong> Jansz wells over the last several years.<br />

Acquisition is scheduled to start in February 2004.<br />

The major focus in 2004 for the Gorgon Area Gas<br />

Team will be the continued commercialisation effort<br />

for the Gorgon gas. To this, numerous positions<br />

have been advertised in the national newspapers<br />

looking for engineers <strong>and</strong> other project experienced<br />

personnel.<br />

Eni Australia<br />

In 2003, Eni Australia was actively involved in 11<br />

exploration permits in <strong>of</strong>fshore Australian waters<br />

<strong>and</strong> eight <strong>of</strong> these were in Western Australian<br />

waters. As operator, Eni acquired 5300 km <strong>of</strong> 2D<br />

seismic in the Houtman Sub-basin <strong>and</strong> reprocessed<br />

a further 5000 km <strong>of</strong> 2D seismic. As non-operator,<br />

Eni participated in two exploration wells, Wigmore 1<br />

<strong>and</strong> Weasel 1.<br />

Activity planned for 2004 as operator includes the<br />

acquisition <strong>of</strong> 600 km 2 <strong>of</strong> 3D seismic <strong>and</strong> the<br />

drilling <strong>of</strong> one exploration well on the Woollybutt<br />

production licence. The company also intends to<br />

participate in at least two other exploration wells<br />

during the year.<br />

Kimberley Oil<br />

Due to the forthcoming granting <strong>of</strong> Application Area<br />

2/96-7, which contains the oil <strong>and</strong> gas-bearing<br />

Pictor anticline, the company commissioned an<br />

engineering appraisal <strong>of</strong> the economic viability <strong>of</strong><br />

horizontal drilling into the oil <strong>and</strong> gas-bearing zone.<br />

The study concluded that horizontal drilling into the<br />

Pictor Anticline is likely to achieve economic oil<br />

production rates <strong>and</strong> that estimated recoverable oil<br />

reserves total 6.4 GL (40 MMbbl).<br />

Kimberley Oil will be seeking a farm-in into the<br />

exploration permit, subsequent to the granting <strong>of</strong><br />

Application Area 2/96-7, so that a horizontal well is<br />

drilled into the Pictor Anticline.<br />

A commitment exploration well is due in EP129, <strong>and</strong><br />

the company is seeking a farm-in partner for the<br />

drilling <strong>of</strong> Boundary Southeast 1. A commitment<br />

exploration well is due in EP391, <strong>and</strong> the company<br />

is seeking a farm-in partner for the drilling <strong>of</strong> a test<br />

well on the crest <strong>of</strong> the Yulleroo Anticline.<br />

Nexen Energy<br />

On the exploration front, Nexen had been seeking<br />

partners to participate in the exploration <strong>of</strong> WA-239-<br />

P, in the Browse Basin, <strong>of</strong>fshore Western Australia.<br />

The block is situated on the Yampi Shelf on the<br />

eastern margin <strong>of</strong> the basin, approximately 730 km<br />

southwest <strong>of</strong> Darwin. It has an area <strong>of</strong><br />

approximately 4700 km 2 <strong>and</strong> only two wells have<br />

been drilled in the permit. However, the farm-out<br />

efforts were unsuccessful <strong>and</strong> Nexen surrendered<br />

the permit.<br />

Roc Oil<br />

Permit Interests<br />

As at 31 December 2003, Roc Oil (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

(ROC) is the operator <strong>of</strong> four permits in the Perth<br />

Basin <strong>and</strong> participates in another permit, as detailed<br />

in Table 2. Effective 1 April 2003, ROC acquired Arc<br />

Nexen’s Buffalo oilfield (Image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Nexen Energy)<br />

Table 2: ROC’s W.A. Permit Interests as at 31 December 2003<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review 13<br />

Energy’s 7.5% interest in WA-286-P (which<br />

includes the Cliff Head oilfield). ROC farmed into<br />

EP413 effective 1 April 2003, by acquiring Victoria<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong>’s 0.25% equity in the permit, which<br />

contains the Jingemia oilfield. In mid-2003, ROC<br />

acquired an option to acquire Norwest Energy’s<br />

7.5% equity in WA-226-P. This option may be<br />

exercised pending the review <strong>of</strong> Macallan 3D<br />

seismic data.<br />

In addition, ROC announced on 18 December 2003<br />

that it will exercise an option with Voyager Energy<br />

Limited to acquire a 50% interest in, <strong>and</strong><br />

operatorship <strong>of</strong>, the gazettal block WO3-14, which<br />

is contiguous with three licences in which ROC<br />

already hold interests, <strong>and</strong> is on the same<br />

geological trend as the Cliff Head oilfield.<br />

Drilling Activity<br />

In 2003, ROC participated in three exploration <strong>and</strong><br />

four appraisal wells in the Perth Basin. The<br />

exploration wells did not encounter significant<br />

hydrocarbons, while all appraisal wells were<br />

successful.<br />

Permit Basin ROC Interest Operator<br />

WA-286-P Perth (Offshore) 37.5% Roc Oil (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

TP/15 Perth (Offshore) 20.0% Roc Oil (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-325-P Perth (Offshore) 37.5% Roc Oil (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-327-P Perth (Offshore) 37.5% Roc Oil (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

EP413 Perth (Onshore) 0.25% Origin Energy<br />

Developments Pty Ltd<br />

WA-226-P (Option to acquire) Perth (Offshore) 7.5% Origin Energy<br />

Developments Pty Ltd


14<br />

Two wildcat wells in WA-286-P (Mentelle 1 <strong>and</strong><br />

Vindara 1) encountered minor oil shows in sidewall<br />

cores, but were assessed to be non-commercial<br />

<strong>and</strong> were plugged <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned. The Twin Lions 1<br />

wildcat in TP/15 encountered good quality<br />

reservoirs, which were water-wet, <strong>and</strong> the well was<br />

plugged <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned.<br />

Seismic Activity<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

During 2003, ROC as operator recorded four marine<br />

seismic surveys; 687 km 2 <strong>of</strong> 3D data <strong>and</strong> 1554 km<br />

<strong>of</strong> 2D data.<br />

The Veritas Pacific Sword completed the Cliff Head<br />

3D seismic survey <strong>of</strong> 30.4 km 2 over the Cliff Head<br />

oil discovery in WA-286-P on 1 November 2003.<br />

The survey was designed to support development<br />

planning, in particular optimisation <strong>of</strong> development<br />

well design.<br />

This was followed by acquisition <strong>of</strong> the Lilian 2D<br />

seismic survey <strong>of</strong> 729 km (644 km in WA-286-P<br />

<strong>and</strong> 85 km in TP/15), completed on 11 November.<br />

The Pacific Sword then acquired the MaryAnn 2D<br />

seismic survey (825 km) in WA-325-P. In the WA-<br />

327-P <strong>and</strong> WA-325-P permits, the Nordic Explorer<br />

acquired the 657 km 2 Vicki/Angela 3D seismic<br />

survey in late November–December 2003.<br />

The WA-226-P JV (operated by Origin Energy)<br />

acquired the 522 km 2 Macallan 3D seismic survey<br />

over the major leads in the block. ROC acquired an<br />

option over Norwest Energy’s (NWE) 5% equity in<br />

WA-226-P, by funding NWE’s share <strong>of</strong> the survey.<br />

The option may be exercised pending review <strong>of</strong> the<br />

seismic data, which was ongoing at the end <strong>of</strong><br />

2003.<br />

Other Geophysical Activity<br />

During 2003, ROC as operator recorded two<br />

aeromagnetic surveys. The East Abrolhos<br />

Aeromagnetic Survey was acquired in WA-325-P in<br />

September to October 2003. A total <strong>of</strong> 31 338 line<br />

km were recorded (including 3204 km in the<br />

adjacent W03-14 gazettal block), covering an area<br />

<strong>of</strong> 3521 km 2 (including 353 km 2 in W03-14).<br />

The Offshore Dongara Aeromagnetic Survey was<br />

acquired in WA-286-P <strong>and</strong> TP/15 in September<br />

2003, to provide structural detail in areas <strong>of</strong> sparser<br />

seismic coverage <strong>and</strong> where shallow water makes<br />

seismic data difficult to acquire. A total <strong>of</strong> 11 876<br />

line km were recorded (7508 km in WA-286-P <strong>and</strong><br />

4368 km in TP/15), covering an area <strong>of</strong> 1375 km 2 .<br />

In 2004, ROC plans to participate in the drilling <strong>of</strong><br />

one firm <strong>and</strong> one contingent wildcat well; a<br />

commitment well in WA-325-P, operated by ROC<br />

<strong>and</strong> possibly one well in WA-226-P, operated by<br />

Origin Energy. No appraisal wells are planned.<br />

No seismic acquisition is planned, however,<br />

processing <strong>and</strong> interpretation <strong>of</strong> seismic acquired in<br />

late 2003 continues into 2004.<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong>’s North West Shelf permits <strong>and</strong> prospects. (Image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong>)<br />

During 2003, Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> N.L. participated in<br />

exploration <strong>and</strong> production activities in its Western<br />

Australian permits in the North Perth Basin <strong>and</strong> the<br />

Carnarvon Basin.<br />

The North Perth Basin permit EP413 was <strong>of</strong><br />

particular significance to Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> as this<br />

onshore permit provided the company’s first<br />

commercial onshore oil production in Australia.<br />

During 2003, continued production testing <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Jingemia 1 discovery well at rates <strong>of</strong> up to 318 kL<br />

<strong>of</strong> oil per day (2000 bbl/d) with no water, confirmed<br />

the commercial nature <strong>of</strong> the Jingemia oilfield, with<br />

all production being trucked to the BP Oil refinery at<br />

Kwinana.<br />

The Jingemia 2 <strong>and</strong> Jingemia 3 development wells


were drilled in 2003 <strong>and</strong> defined the southern limits<br />

<strong>of</strong> the field. The Jingemia 3 well was converted to a<br />

water injection well for pressure maintenance with<br />

water injecting starting in late 2003.<br />

Exploration in Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong>’s <strong>of</strong>fshore <strong>and</strong><br />

onshore Carnarvon Basin permits in 2003 focused<br />

on the evaluation <strong>of</strong> the drilling results from the<br />

2002 drilling programme, to generate drilling<br />

targets for 2004. Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> has an interest<br />

in seven permits in the Carnarvon Basin, with four<br />

permits operated by Victoria. The remaining permits<br />

are operated by Apache Energy <strong>and</strong> Strike Oil.<br />

2004<br />

North Perth Basin Permit EP413<br />

A 3D seismic survey <strong>and</strong> follow up development<br />

well, Jingemia 4, to increase production from the<br />

Jingemia oilfield is planned for 2004.<br />

Carnarvon Basin Permits<br />

Exploration drilling is planned for WA-261-P with<br />

drilling <strong>of</strong> the 3.6 GL (23 MMbbl) <strong>of</strong> recoverable oil<br />

potential Vesta Prospect in late February 2004.<br />

Exploration drilling is also planned for the Exmouth<br />

Gulf permit EP325 with the drilling <strong>of</strong> the 4.3 GL<br />

(27 MMbbl) <strong>of</strong> recoverable oil Champion Prospect in<br />

the second half <strong>of</strong> 2004.<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> is currently seeking farm-in<br />

partners to participate in the drilling <strong>of</strong> Champion 1<br />

on favourable farm-in terms.<br />

Woodside Energy<br />

Woodside continues to focus its Australian<br />

exploration on hydrocarbons adjacent to existing or<br />

planned production facilities <strong>and</strong> testing prospective<br />

new frontier provinces.<br />

During the period, Woodside farmed in to WA-255-P<br />

in Western Australia with 50% equity. In northern<br />

Australia, Woodside strengthened its position around<br />

the Blacktip gasfield by acquiring Shell’s interests in<br />

WA-279-P, WA-313-P <strong>and</strong> NT/P57. These interests<br />

were partially on-sold to Agip (Eni) leaving Woodside<br />

with 53.85% <strong>of</strong> WA-279-P, 50% <strong>of</strong> WA-313-P <strong>and</strong><br />

66.67% <strong>of</strong> NT/P57.<br />

During the first half <strong>of</strong> 2003, the company<br />

participated in 14 exploration <strong>and</strong> appraisal wells in<br />

Australian acreage. Seven <strong>of</strong> these wells<br />

encountered hydrocarbons. In WA-255-P, Stybarrow<br />

1 discovered a 23 m gross oil column. This was<br />

appraised by Stybarrow 2, which encountered a 22<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong>’s northern Perth Basin permits <strong>and</strong> prospects. (Image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong>)<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review 15<br />

m oil column. The Skiddaw 1 sidetrack encountered<br />

a 22 m column <strong>of</strong> oil <strong>and</strong> gas <strong>and</strong> successfully<br />

appraised the northern extent <strong>of</strong> the Laverda field.<br />

Eskdale 1, also in WA-255-P, penetrated noncommercial<br />

hydrocarbon shows. The Egret 3 well<br />

successfully appraised the Egret field in WA-10-R,<br />

encountering a 50 m gross hydrocarbon column (5<br />

m <strong>of</strong> net gas pay plus 24 m <strong>of</strong> net oil). The well also<br />

encountered hydrocarbons in the deeper exploration<br />

objective, making a sub-commercial gas discovery.<br />

Sub-commercial hydrocarbons were also<br />

encountered in the Guilford 1 well drilled in WA-<br />

269-P.<br />

The Weasel 1 exploration well was drilled to test a<br />

four-way dip closure in the hanging wall <strong>of</strong> a<br />

northeast-southwest trending basin margin fault<br />

approximately 35 km south <strong>of</strong> Blacktip 1. The<br />

primary objective <strong>of</strong> Weasel 1 was to evaluate the<br />

hydrocarbon potential <strong>of</strong> the Early Permian Keyling<br />

Formation s<strong>and</strong>stones with the Carboniferous<br />

Kuriyippi Formation s<strong>and</strong>stones providing a<br />

secondary objective.<br />

Weasel 1 was spudded on 9 March 2003 <strong>and</strong><br />

drilled to a total depth <strong>of</strong> 1776 mRT in s<strong>and</strong>stones<br />

<strong>of</strong> the secondary objective Kuriyippi Formation. Both<br />

objective intervals were interpreted to be water-


16<br />

bearing. No significant hydrocarbons were<br />

encountered. Weasel 1 was plugged <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned<br />

as a dry hole on 19 March 2003. The drilling <strong>of</strong><br />

Weasel 1 fulfilled the Year 5 work commitment for<br />

permit WA-279-P.<br />

Seven other wells drilled in WA-1-P, WA-248-P, WA-<br />

279-P, WA-296-P, WA-299-P, NT/P57 <strong>and</strong> EPP29<br />

failed to encounter hydrocarbons.<br />

During the period, the company farmed out 35% <strong>of</strong><br />

its equity in WA-248-P to MIMI, leaving a residual<br />

interest <strong>of</strong> 45%.<br />

DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OVERVIEW<br />

(Compiled from data provided by companies; where<br />

there is no report for a company, it is due to them<br />

not submitting a report)<br />

Apache Energy<br />

Simpson (TL/1 & TL/6)<br />

At Simpson, four development wells, Simpson 7,<br />

West Simpson 1, South Simpson 2 <strong>and</strong> Simpson 6<br />

were drilled <strong>and</strong> completed during 2003.<br />

Hoover<br />

Hoover 2 (TL/6) was successfully drilled <strong>and</strong><br />

completed from the Victoria Platform. The Hoover<br />

field is located over 3 km from the Victoria Platform.<br />

Gipsy<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

Gipsy 3 was located 1.2 km south <strong>of</strong> Gipsy 1 <strong>and</strong><br />

successfully proved a southern extension <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Gipsy field confirming 13 m <strong>of</strong> net oil pay <strong>and</strong> an<br />

extension <strong>of</strong> the Gipsy oilfield to the south within the<br />

North Rankin Formation. The well also discovered a<br />

new pool <strong>of</strong> oil within the deeper Mungaroo ‘B’<br />

s<strong>and</strong>stones not penetrated by previous drilling<br />

within the Gipsy oilfield. Gipsy 4 was drilled <strong>and</strong><br />

completed to produce the oil encountered in both<br />

intervals.<br />

Linda<br />

Linda Development fabrication took place during<br />

2003 with installation <strong>and</strong> development drilling<br />

expected in February/March 2004.<br />

During 2004, Apache will finish the development <strong>of</strong><br />

the Linda field <strong>and</strong> the upgrade <strong>of</strong> the gas<br />

processing facilities on Varanus Isl<strong>and</strong> (VGEP). VGEP<br />

will exp<strong>and</strong> the capacity <strong>of</strong> the Harriet Joint Venture<br />

gas plant <strong>and</strong> compression to around 220 TJ/d<br />

(currently 100 TJ/d). Development activities will<br />

commence for John Brookes gasfield (WA-214-P)<br />

<strong>and</strong> Bambra gas- <strong>and</strong> oilfield (TL/1) with first<br />

production expected in mid 2005 <strong>and</strong> late 2004<br />

respectively. Further appraisal drilling will take place<br />

at the Taunton field in TL/2 <strong>and</strong> TP/7.<br />

Arc Energy<br />

Checking the welhead at Eremia 1<br />

(image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Arc Energy)<br />

During the year ARC enjoyed exploration success at<br />

Eremia, appraisal <strong>and</strong> development success at<br />

Hovea, Jingemia <strong>and</strong> Cliff Head <strong>and</strong> commissioned<br />

its permanent oil production facility at Hovea only<br />

nine months after field appraisal was completed.<br />

The company is now firmly established as the<br />

dominant acreage holder <strong>and</strong> operator in the<br />

onshore Perth Basin, a position under-pinned by its<br />

net production <strong>of</strong> approximately 413 kL (2600 bbl)<br />

<strong>of</strong> oil per day <strong>and</strong> 8 TJ/day <strong>of</strong> gas. The Perth Basin<br />

now supplies up to 10% <strong>of</strong> WA’s crude oil<br />

requirements.<br />

In 2004, ARC is undertaking an aggressive oil <strong>and</strong><br />

gas exploration programme in addition to<br />

consolidating <strong>and</strong> improving its production from the<br />

Hovea, Eremia <strong>and</strong> Jingemia fields. It will also be<br />

aggressively increasing its gas business in the area,<br />

which has very high strategic value for gas supply<br />

to Perth.<br />

2003 Development Highlights<br />

• Successful appraisal/development drilling at<br />

Hovea 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 <strong>and</strong> 10 enabled field<br />

production to increase to in excess <strong>of</strong> 794 kL/d<br />

(5000 bbl/d)<br />

• First use <strong>of</strong> auto-trak rotary steerable drilling<br />

system onshore WA<br />

• First commercially successful horizontal oil<br />

development well (Hovea 8) in onshore WA<br />

• Appraisal/development drilling at Jingemia 2 <strong>and</strong><br />

3 confirming a commercial field <strong>and</strong> extended<br />

production testing commenced<br />

• Appraisal drilling at Cliff Head 3 <strong>and</strong> 4<br />

progressing the field towards a declaration <strong>of</strong><br />

commerciality<br />

2003 Production Highlights<br />

• Test production commenced from Eremia 1, six<br />

weeks after the well was completed<br />

• Production from Hovea <strong>and</strong> Eremia increased to<br />

in excess <strong>of</strong> 874 KL/d (5500 bbl/d)<br />

• One millionth barrel <strong>of</strong> oil produced from Hovea<br />

• Continued gas production from the Dongara<br />

gasfield<br />

• Highly successful road transport system for<br />

crude export commissioned<br />

2003 Corporate Highlights<br />

ARC consolidated its position as the principal<br />

acreage holder <strong>and</strong> operator in the northern Perth<br />

Basin<br />

• ARC awarded EP2/02-3 to the north <strong>of</strong> L1/L2 as<br />

operator subject to native title determination<br />

• ARC sold its 7.5% interest in <strong>of</strong>fshore permit<br />

WA-286-P to ROC Oil<br />

• ARC purchased AWE’s interests in EP413,<br />

EP368, EP320 <strong>and</strong> L11<br />

• On 10 February 2004, purchased a 100%<br />

interest in L7 (Mt Horner)<br />

• Posted a 2002/03 financial year after tax pr<strong>of</strong>it<br />

<strong>of</strong> $8.97 million <strong>and</strong> a 31 December 2003 halfyear<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>it <strong>of</strong> $8.5 million<br />

BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> holds a 45% interest <strong>and</strong> is<br />

the operator <strong>of</strong> the Griffin field, WA-10-L. Joint<br />

venture partners in WA-10-L are Mobil Exploration<br />

& Producing Australia (35%) <strong>and</strong> Inpex Alpha (20%).<br />

The Griffin oil <strong>and</strong> gas project is located<br />

approximately 60 km <strong>of</strong>fshore Western Australia. Oil<br />

<strong>and</strong> gas from the Griffin, Chinook <strong>and</strong> Scindian<br />

fields are produced via the Griffin Venture, a floating<br />

production, storage <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>floading facility (FPSO).<br />

The Griffin Venture is a disconnectable vessel<br />

(which allows it to relocate in the event <strong>of</strong> a cyclone)<br />

with gas processing facilities on board.<br />

Griffin gas is exported directly into the Dampier to


Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline <strong>and</strong> blended with<br />

North West Shelf gas. The produced oil is stored on<br />

board <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>f-loaded to tankers periodically.<br />

Griffin crude <strong>and</strong> condensate production for the<br />

period from July – December 2003 was 465.8 ML<br />

(2.93 MMbbl) gross (206.7 ML (1.3 MMbbl) net to<br />

BHP Billiton), or an average <strong>of</strong> 2.5 ML/d (16 016<br />

bbl/d). Also during the 3rd quarter <strong>of</strong> 2003 the<br />

Griffin Venture reached the milestone <strong>of</strong> achieving a<br />

total oil production <strong>of</strong> 23.85 ML (150 MMbbl). The<br />

cumulative oil production from the Griffin Venture to<br />

31 December 2003 is 24.25 ML (152.5 MMbbl).<br />

Griffin total sales gas production for the period from<br />

July – December 2003 was 118.6 m 3 (4.19 Bcf)<br />

gross (53.24 Mm 3 (1.88 Bcf) net to BHP Billiton), or<br />

an average <strong>of</strong> 648 km 3 /d (22.89 MMcf/d).<br />

ChevronTexaco<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

Total oil production for Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> during 2003<br />

was 525 710 kL (Table 3). The total production had<br />

decreased compared to previous annual production<br />

volumes <strong>of</strong> 569 043 kL in 2002 <strong>and</strong> 610 427 kL in<br />

2001. The volume <strong>of</strong> water produced during 2003<br />

was 3 598 924 kL <strong>and</strong> the volume <strong>of</strong> gas was<br />

59 569 m 3 (Table 3).<br />

Drilling<br />

No new wells were drilled in 2003.<br />

Other Well Work<br />

All activities on Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> during 2003 were<br />

related to normal oilfield operations <strong>and</strong> ensuring<br />

operations have minimal impact on the fauna <strong>and</strong><br />

flora <strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong>.<br />

Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

Total oil production from the Thevenard production<br />

licences during 2003 was 315 006 kL (Table 4).<br />

Total production had decreased compared to<br />

previous annual production volumes <strong>of</strong> 406 364 kL<br />

in 2002 <strong>and</strong> 459 746 kL in 2001 due to natural<br />

depletion. The volume <strong>of</strong> water produced during<br />

2003 was 2 956 629 kL <strong>and</strong> the volume <strong>of</strong> gas<br />

was 50 237 km 3 (Table 4). The majority <strong>of</strong> all water<br />

produced is reinjected back into the source<br />

reservoir.<br />

Saladin Field Activities<br />

No new wells were drilled.<br />

Cowle Field Activities<br />

No new wells were drilled <strong>and</strong> no well interventions<br />

were undertaken during the year.<br />

Skate <strong>and</strong> Roller Fields Activities<br />

No new wells were drilled during the year. Skate 2<br />

was re-entered <strong>and</strong> then plugged <strong>and</strong> suspended.<br />

Skate 4 underwent additional perforations in the<br />

Barrow Group gas cap <strong>and</strong> then suspended. This<br />

operation was to ensure future gas supplies would<br />

be available for the Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong> gas processing<br />

plant.<br />

Crest Oilfield<br />

Mardie Greens<strong>and</strong> oil production recommenced<br />

from the Crest oilfield, in early December 2002,<br />

after the native title negotiations were finalised. The<br />

exploration permit EP65, which covered the<br />

Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Crest oilfield, has been<br />

converted to two production licences L12 <strong>and</strong> L13.<br />

Table 3: Chevron Texaco’s Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> production in 2003<br />

In December 2002, initial oil production started at<br />

45 kL/d but has as <strong>of</strong> December 2003 declined to 9<br />

kL/d.<br />

Eni Australia<br />

Table 4: Chevron Texaco’s Thevenard Isl<strong>and</strong> leases production in 2003<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review 17<br />

Eni Australia started production from the Woollybutt<br />

field (WA-25-L, Eni 65% operator, ExxonMobil 20%,<br />

Tap West 15%) at the end <strong>of</strong> April 2003.<br />

The field is located in 100 m water depth about<br />

100 km west <strong>of</strong> Dampier, in the Carnarvon Basin.<br />

Month Oil Production Water Production Gas Production<br />

(kL) (kL) (km 3 )<br />

Jan - 03 44 530 313 437 4 312<br />

Feb - 03 43 587 307 889 4 201<br />

Mar - 03 43 469 306 123 4 119<br />

Apr - 03 38 456 280 402 3 629<br />

May - 03 48 383 336 539 4 590<br />

Jun - 03 45 938 316 631 5 033<br />

Jul - 03 44 087 306 878 5 145<br />

Aug - 03 48 385 307 814 5 817<br />

Sep - 03 44 695 290 527 5 677<br />

Oct - 03 43 551 289 284 5 924<br />

Nov - 03 36 837 248 597 5 277<br />

Dec - 03 42 792 294 803 5 845<br />

Total 525 710 3 598 924 59 569<br />

Nb: km 3 is one kilometre cubed which equals one thous<strong>and</strong> metres cubed<br />

Month Oil Production Water Production Gas Production<br />

(kL) (kL) (km 3 )<br />

Jan - 03 30 828 266 819 4 146<br />

Feb - 03 26 581 219 612 3 511<br />

Mar - 03 25 318 211 107 4 051<br />

Apr - 03 22 086 180 647 3 708<br />

May - 03 27 579 254 699 4 722<br />

Jun - 03 25 591 241 569 4 086<br />

Jul - 03 25 493 240 252 4 609<br />

Aug - 03 26 989 268 000 4 511<br />

Sep - 03 26 813 269 466 4 355<br />

Oct - 03 27 083 278 632 4 175<br />

Nov - 03 24 529 253 390 4 219<br />

Dec - 03 26 116 272 436 4 144<br />

Total 315 006 2 956 629 50 237<br />

Nb: km 3 is one kilometre cubed which equals one thous<strong>and</strong> metres cubed


18<br />

The oil is a good quality 49.2° API <strong>and</strong> is produced<br />

from two wells. A total <strong>of</strong> 1.2 GL (8 MMbbl) have<br />

been produced since the start up in 2003.<br />

The oil is processed <strong>and</strong> stored onboard the FPSO<br />

Four Vanguard. This ship exhibits a double hull <strong>and</strong><br />

an internal turret, quickly disconnectable, mooring<br />

system. A number <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ftakes have been<br />

successfully performed in the year.<br />

ExxonMobil<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

ExxonMobil, through its subsidiaries, operated the<br />

Jansz 3 appraisal well <strong>and</strong> participated in two<br />

development wells at Woollybutt.<br />

The Jansz 3 well spudded on the 3rd <strong>of</strong> June <strong>and</strong><br />

was drilled in 1340 m <strong>of</strong> water to a depth <strong>of</strong><br />

approximately 2900 m below sea level. Jansz 3<br />

confirmed the high reservoir quality continuity with a<br />

successful well test flowing a maximum 2 Mm 3 /d<br />

(72.6 MMcf/d) for a period <strong>of</strong> 30 minutes. The<br />

successful production test demonstrates that it can<br />

be produced at rates that will allow a range <strong>of</strong><br />

commercial developments. The WA-18-R joint<br />

venturers are currently conducting a study to assess<br />

these development options.<br />

Plans are currently being finalised for a 2600 km 2<br />

3D survey over the Jansz gasfield with acquisition<br />

due to commence mid February 2004. The field<br />

covers an area in excess <strong>of</strong> 2000 km 2 <strong>and</strong> has an<br />

interpreted 400 m gross gas column. Including an<br />

extension into the adjacent WA-25-R <strong>and</strong> WA-26-R<br />

blocks, it is estimated that the field contains<br />

approximately 566 Gm 3 (20 Tcf) <strong>of</strong> recoverable<br />

sales gas, believed to be the largest gas discovery<br />

ever to have been made in Australian waters.<br />

The WA-1-R joint venturers reviewed concepts for<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the Scarborough gasfield with<br />

additional appraisal activity consisting <strong>of</strong> a 3D<br />

seismic survey commencing Q1, 2004.<br />

W<strong>and</strong>oo production averaged 1621 kL/d (10 200<br />

bbl/d) in 2003 with reservoir decline being partially<br />

<strong>of</strong>fset by well cycling <strong>and</strong> optimisation programs.<br />

Two scheduled shutdowns occurred for general<br />

maintenance including replacement <strong>of</strong> the WNB<br />

production riser <strong>and</strong> the submarine hose. Other<br />

activities included work carried out on the fitness for<br />

service assessment <strong>of</strong> the test riser <strong>and</strong> an upgrade<br />

to the blanket gas system.<br />

During 2003, ExxonMobil subsidiaries withdrew<br />

from WA-255-P, WA-155-P, WA-12-R, TL/2, TP/7,<br />

WA-25-P, WA-214-P <strong>and</strong> WA-298-P. Retention<br />

leases were granted over WA-267-P discovered<br />

gasfields, including the extension to Jansz, Orthrus,<br />

Geryon, Maenad <strong>and</strong> Urania <strong>and</strong> the remaining<br />

portion <strong>of</strong> WA-267-P was relinquished by the joint<br />

venture.<br />

ExxonMobil’s current focus in WA is on working with<br />

our co-venturers to develop the large gas resources<br />

<strong>of</strong> the deep water Carnarvon Basin.<br />

Kimberley Oil<br />

During the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the company<br />

produced 4.8 ML (30 362 bbl) <strong>of</strong> oil from its five<br />

oilfields in the Canning Basin: Blina, Boundary,<br />

Lloyd, Sundown <strong>and</strong> West Terrace.<br />

Nexen Energy<br />

In July 2001, Nexen <strong>Petroleum</strong> Australia Pty Limited<br />

(Nexen), (formerly Canadian <strong>Petroleum</strong> Australia<br />

(Operations) Pty Limited), became 100% owner <strong>and</strong><br />

operator <strong>of</strong> the Buffalo field in WA-19-L <strong>and</strong> WA-<br />

Location <strong>of</strong> Nexen’s WA-239-P permit. (Image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Nexen Energy)<br />

21-L in the Timor Sea. Prior to assuming the<br />

operatorship, Nexen had been a 50/50 joint venture<br />

partner, as non-operator, with BHP <strong>Petroleum</strong>.<br />

Facilities in the Buffalo field currently consist <strong>of</strong> an<br />

unmanned wellhead platform (WHP) with four wells,<br />

which st<strong>and</strong>s in 27 m <strong>of</strong> water on the<br />

environmentally sensitive Big Bank; <strong>and</strong> the ‘Buffalo<br />

Venture’ floating production, storage, <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>floading<br />

(FPSO) facility, which is permanently moored 2.5 km<br />

from the WHP, in 300 m <strong>of</strong> water.<br />

During 2002, Nexen undertook <strong>and</strong> completed a<br />

two well development drilling programme in the<br />

Buffalo field, to double the production well count to<br />

four. The jackup drilling rig Ocean Heritage arrived<br />

in the field on March 9, 2002 <strong>and</strong> moved away from<br />

the WHP on June 13, 2002. The first <strong>of</strong> the new<br />

wells, Buffalo 7, was placed on production in the<br />

middle <strong>of</strong> April 2002 <strong>and</strong> had a demonstrated<br />

production capability <strong>of</strong> 4000 kL <strong>of</strong> oil per day<br />

(25 000 bbl/d). The well produced approximately<br />

140 ML (880 Mbbl) prior to producing any water<br />

<strong>and</strong> is currently producing 365 kL <strong>of</strong> oil per day (2<br />

300 bbl/d) at an 83% water cut.<br />

The second well in the programme, Buffalo 8, came<br />

in structurally low to prognosis <strong>and</strong> was<br />

subsequently sidetracked up structure into another<br />

fault block. Buffalo 9, as the sidetrack is designated,<br />

encountered the top Elang reservoir (RAB 6 zone in<br />

Nexen informal terminology) at 3242 m (TVDSS),<br />

the highest location encountered in wells in the<br />

field, thereby confirming the presence <strong>of</strong> the<br />

western attic. Despite being 74 m above the field<br />

oil/water contact, however, the RAB 3, 4, 5 <strong>and</strong> 6<br />

units <strong>of</strong> the reservoir proved to be water-wet.<br />

Subsequent petrophysical analyses indicated oil<br />

saturations up to 35%. Adding to the enigma, the<br />

well encountered oil in the lower Elang s<strong>and</strong>s,<br />

informally designated RAB 1 <strong>and</strong> 2. Oil was also<br />

encountered in the underlying W. digitata<br />

palynozone (WD) zone <strong>of</strong> the Elang Formation. This<br />

was the first time that oil had been encountered in<br />

the WD zone in the field; all other production is from<br />

the RAB zone. The well was completed in the RAB 2<br />

<strong>and</strong> WD zones.<br />

Buffalo 9 was placed on production in June 2002<br />

on a co-mingled basis from the WD <strong>and</strong> RAB 2<br />

s<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> was subsequently suspended in March<br />

2003 because <strong>of</strong> a very high water cut (greater than<br />

95%). In May 2003, a bridge plug was set in the<br />

well above the WD perforations <strong>and</strong> the upper RAB<br />

section was perforated to test the possibility <strong>of</strong><br />

moveable oil in these s<strong>and</strong>s. This was unsuccessful<br />

<strong>and</strong> the well remains suspended.<br />

The current (December 2003) oil production<br />

capability <strong>of</strong> the field is approximately 795 kL/d<br />

(5000 bbl/d) <strong>and</strong> averaged 96.4 kL/d (6064 bbl/d)<br />

in 2003. Production for 2004 is expected to<br />

average approximately 55.6 kL/d (3500 bbl/d) <strong>and</strong><br />

it is expected that the economic limit for the field


will be reached in the fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 2004. At<br />

that time, the Buffalo Venture FPSO will be released,<br />

the existing wellbores will be ab<strong>and</strong>oned, <strong>and</strong> the<br />

wellhead platform will be recovered <strong>and</strong> towed away<br />

for onshore salvage.<br />

The safety <strong>and</strong> environmental performance <strong>of</strong> the<br />

entire Buffalo operation has been outst<strong>and</strong>ing. There<br />

were no lost time incidents or reportable<br />

environmental incidents during the 97-day drilling<br />

programme in 2002, some <strong>of</strong> which involved<br />

simultaneous activities (drilling, production,<br />

<strong>of</strong>floading <strong>and</strong> construction). The operations were a<br />

complex sequence <strong>of</strong> activities executed under the<br />

simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) constraints<br />

developed specifically for Buffalo <strong>and</strong> included in<br />

the Safety Case documentation. The Ocean Heritage<br />

drilling rig was also new to Australia <strong>and</strong> therefore<br />

required the development <strong>of</strong> a st<strong>and</strong>-alone Safety<br />

Case by the drilling contractor (Diamond Offshore<br />

Drilling, Inc.), <strong>and</strong> Bridging <strong>and</strong> SIMOPS documents,<br />

which were developed by Nexen. The operations<br />

also demonstrated Nexen’s commitment to protect<br />

the environment through the successful use <strong>of</strong> drill<br />

cuttings re-injection sub-sea, when possible, <strong>and</strong><br />

the use <strong>of</strong> a water based sodium silicate drilling<br />

fluid that reduced the impact <strong>of</strong> the remaining<br />

drilling cuttings on the sensitive Big Bank<br />

environment.<br />

Further to this, the Buffalo Venture FPSO achieved<br />

four years without an LTI (Lost Time Incident) on 29<br />

December 2003. This outst<strong>and</strong>ing safety record,<br />

which commenced at the start <strong>of</strong> production from the<br />

field in December 1999, has continued into 2004.<br />

Roc Oil<br />

The Cliff Head field, discovered in 2001 by ROC,<br />

was successfully appraised with the drilling <strong>of</strong> two<br />

wells in January <strong>and</strong> March 2003. Cliff Head 3 was<br />

sidetracked to core <strong>and</strong> was production tested at a<br />

stabilised rate, constrained by surface facilities, <strong>of</strong><br />

477 kL (3000 bbl) <strong>of</strong> oil per day via an 11 mm<br />

(28/64”) choke <strong>and</strong> a down hole electrical<br />

submersible pump. The second appraisal well, Cliff<br />

Head 4, was drilled <strong>and</strong> also cored for reservoir<br />

information.<br />

The EP413 JV conducted an extended production<br />

test on Jingemia 1 (drilled in October 2002) over<br />

the period May to August 2003, to determine the<br />

commerciality <strong>of</strong> the oil discovery <strong>and</strong> development<br />

strategy. During the test, rates in excess <strong>of</strong> 286<br />

kL/d (1800 bbl/d) were recorded.<br />

Jingemia 2 <strong>and</strong> its sidetrack Jingemia 3 were<br />

successfully drilled in August to September 2003,<br />

primarily to provide water injection for the field. A<br />

second extended production test was underway on<br />

Jingemia 1 at year-end.<br />

Detailed engineering <strong>and</strong> design work for the Cliff<br />

Head oil development was undertaken in 2003, <strong>and</strong><br />

ROC established an <strong>of</strong>fice in Perth to manage the<br />

project. On 14 October 2003, the Joint Venture took<br />

a major step towards commercial production with a<br />

unanimous declaration <strong>of</strong> commerciality <strong>and</strong><br />

agreement to move forward to the Front End<br />

Engineering <strong>and</strong> Design review stage (FEED). The<br />

FEED contract was awarded to Worley Pty Ltd. The<br />

decision to proceed towards FEED was based on a<br />

proved <strong>and</strong> probable reserve estimate <strong>of</strong> 3.3 GL (21<br />

MMbbl) <strong>of</strong> recoverable oil.<br />

The cost <strong>of</strong> the development is yet to be<br />

determined, but it is expected to be in the order <strong>of</strong><br />

$140 million, with a final decision on the investment<br />

expected in 2004. An application for the declaration<br />

<strong>of</strong> a location <strong>of</strong> one block was made over the Cliff<br />

Head field on 19 December 2003.<br />

A location <strong>of</strong> one graticular block over the Jingemia<br />

oilfield in EP413 was gazetted in January 2003, <strong>and</strong><br />

in July 2003, the JV made an application for a<br />

production licence.<br />

Work continues on progressing the Cliff Head oilfield<br />

towards commercial production. Subject to<br />

satisfactory completion <strong>of</strong> FEED <strong>and</strong> receipt <strong>of</strong><br />

regulatory <strong>and</strong> JV approvals, it is anticipated that a<br />

final investment decision for the project will be<br />

made during the second quarter <strong>of</strong> 2004 <strong>and</strong> that<br />

first oil will be produced from Cliff Head during the<br />

second half <strong>of</strong> 2005.<br />

Woodside Energy<br />

Development Activities 2003<br />

WA-271-P<br />

Development <strong>of</strong> the Enfield oilfield has progressed<br />

according to plan in 2003 with the project<br />

commencing the Front End Engineering Phase in<br />

May 2003. Contractors for the FPSO Hull, EPCm<br />

<strong>and</strong> Turret & Mooring facilities have been awarded.<br />

Environmental approval for the development was<br />

given by the Commonwealth Minister for<br />

Environment <strong>and</strong> Heritage in July. The development<br />

is planned to come on stream in late 2006 <strong>and</strong> will<br />

accommodate future area tie-backs such as<br />

Laverda as ullage becomes available.<br />

Following the disappointing appraisal result <strong>of</strong><br />

Laverda 2 (drilled in December 2002), Woodside<br />

participated in the drilling <strong>of</strong> Skiddaw 1 in May<br />

2003 in WA-255-P to appraise the northern extent<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Laverda field. Gas <strong>and</strong> oil columns were<br />

penetrated in Skiddaw 2 (a sidetrack to Skiddaw 1).<br />

Feasibility studies with respect to future<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the technically challenging Vincent<br />

field are continuing.<br />

WA-279-P<br />

Development <strong>of</strong> the Blacktip gasfield progressed<br />

into the concept selection phase in March 2003. In<br />

June 2003, the Blacktip JV signed a Heads <strong>of</strong><br />

Agreement with Alcan for the supply <strong>of</strong> gas to<br />

underpin Alcan’s planned expansion <strong>of</strong> its Gove<br />

alumina production <strong>and</strong> bauxite mining facilities.<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review 19<br />

First gas is currently scheduled for January 2007.<br />

Following a further review in December, the Blacktip<br />

development will commence Basis <strong>of</strong> Design (BOD)<br />

studies in January 2004.<br />

Production Activities 2003<br />

Laminaria <strong>and</strong> Corallina<br />

In November 1999, the Northern Endeavour FPSO<br />

commenced production from the Laminaria <strong>and</strong><br />

Corallina fields in production licence AC/L5 located<br />

in the Timor Sea.<br />

The Laminaria <strong>and</strong> Corallina reservoirs have<br />

performed above expectation. The onset <strong>and</strong> rate <strong>of</strong><br />

increase in water production <strong>and</strong> the associated<br />

decline in productivity has been broadly in-line with<br />

reservoir model predictions. Total produced oil to the<br />

North end Rankin <strong>of</strong> June A platform 2003 was (image 24.13 courtesy GL. <strong>of</strong> Woodside)<br />

Legendre<br />

Development studies carried out in Q4, 2002<br />

resulted in an infill drilling opportunity to develop the<br />

poorly swept southwestern flank <strong>of</strong> the Legendre<br />

North field. The infill well, Legendre North 4H was<br />

drilled in April 2003 using the Ensco 56 <strong>and</strong><br />

commenced production on 10 June 2003.<br />

The performance <strong>of</strong> the Ocean Legend has been<br />

good with an annual average production rate <strong>of</strong><br />

4370 kL/d, with almost all gas re-injected <strong>and</strong><br />

minimal flaring. The maximum rate achieved during<br />

2003 followed the drilling <strong>of</strong> Legendre North 4H <strong>and</strong><br />

optimisation <strong>of</strong> gas h<strong>and</strong>ling facilities. Cumulative<br />

total produced oil to end 2003 was 4.429 GL.<br />

North Rankin<br />

The North Rankin gasfield lies 23 km northeast <strong>of</strong><br />

the Goodwyn field <strong>and</strong> approximately 140 km<br />

<strong>of</strong>fshore from Karratha in approximately 125 m <strong>of</strong><br />

water. The field was discovered in 1971 when the<br />

NRX-01 well penetrated 565 m <strong>of</strong> gross<br />

hydrocarbon column in Triassic, fluvio-estuarine<br />

reservoir quality s<strong>and</strong>s. The trap is structural,<br />

comprising a large horst block complex in the main<br />

body <strong>of</strong> the field with a zone <strong>of</strong> westerly dipping<br />

fault blocks in the northwest part <strong>of</strong> the field.<br />

Reservoir units gently dip northwards <strong>and</strong> sub-crop<br />

sealing Cretaceous shales over the crest <strong>of</strong> the<br />

field. At the northern end <strong>of</strong> the field, the top <strong>of</strong> the<br />

North Rankin reservoir is defined by depositionally<br />

conformable Triassic to Early Jurassic shales.<br />

During 2003, the field produced 3.79 Gm 3 <strong>of</strong> raw<br />

gas <strong>and</strong> 429 ML <strong>of</strong> condensate. During 2003/04,<br />

the NRA life extension <strong>and</strong> North Rankin ‘B’ platform<br />

will be studied to determine an optimum<br />

development infrastructure <strong>and</strong> functionality <strong>of</strong> the<br />

assets.<br />

Perseus<br />

The Perseus gasfield is located approximately 135<br />

km northwest <strong>of</strong> Karratha in 131 m water depth.<br />

The field lies in a graben bounded by the North<br />

Rankin field to the east <strong>and</strong> the Goodwyn field to<br />

the west.


20<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review<br />

The Cossack Pioneer FPSO at the Wanaea - Cossack oilfield (image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Woodside)<br />

The phased development <strong>of</strong> the Perseus field<br />

progressed with production commencing in 2001<br />

from the PEN02 <strong>and</strong> PEN03 ‘Big Bore’ wells drilled<br />

from the NRA platform in 2000. Medium term plans<br />

include the drilling <strong>of</strong> a further three ‘Big Bore’ wells<br />

from the NRA platform during 2005. Future phases<br />

are envisaged to include satellite development <strong>and</strong><br />

the introduction <strong>of</strong> gas compression. In 2003/04 the<br />

potential development <strong>of</strong> some Perseus reserves via<br />

the Goodwyn Alpha (Goodwyn A) platform will be<br />

studied.<br />

During 2003, the Perseus field produced a total <strong>of</strong><br />

7.367 Gm 3 <strong>of</strong> raw gas <strong>and</strong> 1.507 GL <strong>of</strong> condensate.<br />

Goodwyn<br />

The Goodwyn gasfield was discovered in 1972 <strong>and</strong><br />

is centred 23 km southwest <strong>of</strong> North Rankin field.<br />

The multiple Goodwyn reservoirs are contained in<br />

highly permeable dipping s<strong>and</strong>stones in the Upper<br />

Triassic Mungaroo Formation. They are truncated<br />

<strong>and</strong> sealed by the Lower Cretaceous Muderong<br />

Shale within a large northward-tilted Jurassic horst<br />

structure.<br />

Recycle volumes during 2003 were at similar levels<br />

to 2002 rates with a total <strong>of</strong> 5.25 Gm 3 dry gas<br />

injected to maintain optimum condensate<br />

production. The start up <strong>of</strong> the Echo Yodel field in<br />

early 2002 has preserved production from the<br />

Goodwyn field. During 2003, the field produced<br />

9.659 Gm 3 <strong>of</strong> raw gas <strong>and</strong> 2.467 GL <strong>of</strong> condensate.<br />

Four well interventions, mostly perforations, are<br />

planned for 2004 (GWA12, 08, 04 or 05 <strong>and</strong><br />

GWA13). A blow down strategy based on field CGR<br />

will be devised during 2004 to optimise condensate<br />

recovery. Work is continuing on future tiebacks <strong>of</strong><br />

satellite fields to the Goodwyn A platform.<br />

Echo/Yodel (gas & condensate)<br />

The Echo/Yodel field lies 25 km southwest <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Goodwyn A platform in 140 m water depth. The<br />

Echo field was discovered in 1988 by Echo 1, which<br />

penetrated a 19 m gross hydrocarbon column in<br />

fluvio-deltaic s<strong>and</strong>stones <strong>of</strong> the Triassic Mungaroo<br />

Formation. The northwesterly dipping reservoir units<br />

subcrop the regional unconformity (MU), which also<br />

dips to the northwest. Overlying Cretaceous shales<br />

provide the seal to the accumulation.<br />

The Yodel field was discovered in 1990 <strong>and</strong><br />

production is continuing from the Yodel 3 <strong>and</strong> Yodel<br />

4 wells at expectation levels. During 2003, the field<br />

produced approximately 2.436 Gm 3 <strong>of</strong> raw gas <strong>and</strong><br />

1.758 GL <strong>of</strong> condensate.<br />

Wanaea <strong>and</strong> Cossack<br />

The Wanaea field was discovered in June 1989 with<br />

the Wanaea 1 exploration well. It is located 30 km<br />

east <strong>of</strong> the North Rankin field in 80 m water depth.<br />

In 2000, the Cossack 1 well discovered the Cossack<br />

field situated northeast <strong>of</strong> the Wanaea field.<br />

Currently, there are five deviated wells producing<br />

from the Wanaea field <strong>and</strong> one horizontal well<br />

producing from the Cossack field. Reservoir quality<br />

in both the Wanaea <strong>and</strong> Cossack fields is good <strong>and</strong><br />

typical production rates <strong>of</strong> about 3.18 ML/d (20 000<br />

bbl/d) have been achieved from the deviated wells<br />

in Wanaea with rates up to 6.36 ML/d (40 000<br />

bbl/d) from the Cossack horizontal well.<br />

Oil production from the Wanaea field in 2003 was<br />

4.187 GL while production from the Cossack field<br />

was 821 ML. The Cossack Pioneer also exported<br />

927 Mm 3 <strong>of</strong> raw gas via the inter-field line to North<br />

Rankin A platform. Future developments for the<br />

Wanaea-Cossack area are being evaluated, with<br />

new 3D seismic acquisition planned to be followed<br />

by further development in 2004/05 currently<br />

expected to include gas lift <strong>and</strong> new infill wells.<br />

Lambert <strong>and</strong> Hermes<br />

The Lambert <strong>and</strong> Hermes structures form two<br />

separate oil accumulations that are located in 125<br />

m <strong>of</strong> water, 15 km to the north <strong>of</strong> the Wanaea <strong>and</strong><br />

Cossack fields <strong>and</strong> 145 km north <strong>of</strong> Karratha. The<br />

Lambert accumulation was discovered in 1973 by<br />

the Lambert 1 exploration well, which intersected<br />

11 m net <strong>of</strong> oil-bearing s<strong>and</strong>stone at the top <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Tithonian Angel Formation. The Hermes field was<br />

discovered in 1996.<br />

Oil production from the Lambert <strong>and</strong> Hermes fields<br />

in 2003 was 429 ML <strong>and</strong> 808 ML, respectively.<br />

Future developments for the Lambert-Hermes area<br />

are being evaluated, with new 3D seismic<br />

acquisition planned to be followed by further<br />

development in 2004/05 including gas lift <strong>and</strong> new<br />

infill wells.<br />

Future Developments<br />

LNG Expansion<br />

Commitment to the NWSV $2.4 billion 4th LNG<br />

expansion <strong>and</strong> second trunkline projects were<br />

approved by the boards <strong>of</strong> the North West Shelf<br />

Joint Venture Partners in March 2001 after<br />

successful negotiations with LNG customers.<br />

Train 4<br />

Australian companies are on target to win 66% <strong>of</strong><br />

contracts on the Train 4 Project. When items that<br />

are not available in Australia are deducted from the<br />

total project value, the project’s “achievable”<br />

Australian Content, is 95% (* “Achievable” excludes<br />

specialist equipment not built in Australia eg:<br />

cryogenic heat exchangers, compressors, turbines<br />

etc <strong>and</strong> not tendered for by Australian companies).<br />

So far Australian companies have won A$1030<br />

million out <strong>of</strong> A$1482 million in contracts let.<br />

Second Trunkline<br />

Australian companies are on target to win 54%, or<br />

A$292 million <strong>of</strong> total contracts, against an original<br />

forecast <strong>of</strong> 51%. So far Australian companies have<br />

won A$252.8 million <strong>of</strong> manufacturing <strong>and</strong><br />

construction contracts out <strong>of</strong> a total project value <strong>of</strong><br />

A$489 million.<br />

The second trunkline is forecasting an “achievable”<br />

rate for Australian industry <strong>of</strong> 94%. Assessment <strong>and</strong><br />

concept selection work for a fifth LNG Processing<br />

Train on the Burrup Peninsula is also progressing in<br />

support <strong>of</strong> prospective customers in Asia.


Angel<br />

The Angel field is a gas/condensate discovery<br />

located approximately 50 km east <strong>of</strong> North Rankin<br />

platform. The discovery is currently being assessed<br />

for future development potential, with the possibility<br />

<strong>of</strong> development being undertaken for a 2007/08<br />

startup.<br />

Searipple<br />

The Searipple field was discovered in 1996 by the<br />

deepened Perseus 3A appraisal well. Development<br />

plans are in progress in conjunction with the further<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the Perseus field.<br />

Egret<br />

Egret is a small oilfield approximately 12 km<br />

northwest <strong>of</strong> the Wanaea field <strong>and</strong> is currently under<br />

appraisal. The most recent (Egret 3) appraisal well<br />

was drilled in June 2003 finding a gas <strong>and</strong> oil<br />

column. The decision on future development will be<br />

taken in 2004/05, post acquisition <strong>of</strong> new seismic.<br />

Dockrell<br />

The Dockrell field is located 6 km southeast <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Echo/Yodel field <strong>and</strong> 20 km southwest <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Goodwyn A platform, in 110 m water depth. The<br />

field was discovered in 1973 by Dockrell 1, which<br />

encountered gross gas <strong>and</strong> oil columns <strong>of</strong> 88 m <strong>and</strong><br />

14 m respectively, in the Jurassic Brigadier (D Unit)<br />

<strong>and</strong> Triassic Mungaroo (E Unit) Formations. The<br />

Brigadier Formation is a dominantly shaly interval<br />

with thinly interbedded s<strong>and</strong>s, deposited in a<br />

shallow marine delta front setting. The E Unit is a<br />

high energy, s<strong>and</strong> dominated, fluvio-deltaic,<br />

sequence. Reservoir units dip towards the northeast<br />

<strong>and</strong> are truncated by MU. Regionally extensive<br />

Cretaceous shales provide the seal to the<br />

accumulation. Two additional thin hydrocarbon<br />

zones were encountered within Unit F <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Mungaroo Formation some 300 <strong>and</strong> 550 m below<br />

the base <strong>of</strong> the Unit E. Dockrell 2 was drilled in<br />

1998 to test the reservoir units to the north <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Dockrell field. Two oil-bearing reservoir units, the E<br />

s<strong>and</strong> (Dockrell 1) <strong>and</strong> D s<strong>and</strong> (Dockrell 2), have<br />

been penetrated.<br />

The field is covered by the Keast 3D seismic survey<br />

acquired in 1997, which provided improved<br />

structural <strong>and</strong> fault definition. Reprocessing <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Keast 3D data was conducted during 2003.<br />

Timing <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> the Dockrell field,<br />

which is located within the Goodwyn field<br />

production licence, is dictated by gas supply<br />

dem<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> is anticipated for a later date.<br />

Development is likely to consist <strong>of</strong> a sub-sea<br />

development tied-back to GWA.<br />

Keast<br />

The Keast field is located 4 km southeast <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Echo/Yodel field <strong>and</strong> 20 km southwest <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Goodwyn A platform, in 125 m water depth. Keast 1<br />

was drilled in January 1997 <strong>and</strong> encountered a<br />

gross gas column <strong>of</strong> 32 m in the Jurassic Unit D<br />

(Brigadier Formation). Gas was also encountered in<br />

Unit E, Intra E, <strong>and</strong> Lower E s<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the Triassic<br />

Mungaroo Formation. Both the D <strong>and</strong> E Unit s<strong>and</strong>s<br />

dip northwards <strong>and</strong> sub-crop below the regional<br />

unconformity (MU). Cretaceous shales above MU<br />

seal the accumulation. The Intra E <strong>and</strong> Lower E<br />

s<strong>and</strong>s are structurally trapped beneath intraformational<br />

shales.<br />

Unit D is a claystone-dominated interval with<br />

occasional interbedded s<strong>and</strong>s, deposited in a<br />

shallow marine, delta front setting. The E Unit is a<br />

high energy, s<strong>and</strong>-dominated, fluvio-deltaic<br />

sequence. Unit E s<strong>and</strong>s are thick <strong>and</strong> are<br />

interpreted to be really extensive. Keast 2 was<br />

drilled in March 1997, to test the hydrocarbonbearing<br />

potential <strong>of</strong> the Lower Jurassic C Unit <strong>and</strong> D<br />

Unit to the north. The well intersected a shaly, nonreservoir<br />

D Unit beneath MU. S<strong>and</strong>s deeper withithe<br />

D Unit, structurally lower than the gas column<br />

encountered in the sub-cropping D Unit at Keast 1,<br />

were water bearing. The current seismic (Keast 3D<br />

survey) provides reliable structural definition <strong>and</strong><br />

further improvements may be realised through<br />

interpretation <strong>of</strong> the Keast 3D reprocessed data.<br />

Development timing for the Keast field, which is<br />

located within the Goodwyn field production licence,<br />

is anticipated at a later date <strong>and</strong> will be dictated by<br />

gas supply dem<strong>and</strong>. Development will most likely<br />

rely upon a depletion-drive recovery <strong>and</strong> is likely to<br />

consist <strong>of</strong> a sub-sea development tied-back to GWA.<br />

Wilcox<br />

The Wilcox field is located approximately 55 km<br />

southwest <strong>of</strong> the Goodwyn A platform in 70 m water<br />

depth. Wilcox 1 was drilled in March 1983 <strong>and</strong><br />

discovered a 500 m gross column within thick<br />

fluvio-deltaic beds <strong>of</strong> the Triassic Mungaroo<br />

PWA April Edition - 2003 Review 21<br />

Formation. The field lies within a large Triassic fault<br />

block bound to the northwest by a steeply dipping<br />

fault. There are four gas-bearing s<strong>and</strong>s in the E, F,<br />

<strong>and</strong> G Units. Wilcox 2 was drilled down-flank in<br />

June 1985 to prove additional reserves, but all<br />

s<strong>and</strong>s were found to be water bearing.<br />

First production from Wilcox is not expected until a<br />

later date. Development will most likely rely upon a<br />

depletion-drive recovery <strong>and</strong> is likely to consist <strong>of</strong> a<br />

sub-sea development tied-back to GWA.<br />

In 2000, the retention lease WA-7-R was renewed<br />

over the block where the field is located.<br />

Sculptor<br />

The Sculptor field comprises <strong>of</strong> several fault blocks<br />

<strong>and</strong> encompasses both the Lower-E <strong>and</strong> F Units <strong>of</strong><br />

the Triassic Mungaroo Formation.<br />

The field is covered by the Keast 3D seismic data,<br />

which was acquired in 1997. A volumetric update to<br />

reflect 3D seismic data was completed during 2002.<br />

Development timing for Sculptor is anticipated at a<br />

later date <strong>and</strong> will be dictated by gas supply<br />

dem<strong>and</strong>. Development will most likely rely upon a<br />

depletion-drive recovery <strong>and</strong> is likely to consist <strong>of</strong> a<br />

sub-sea development tied-back to GWA.<br />

In 2001, the production licence WA-24-L was<br />

granted over the field area thus changing the blocks<br />

status from retention lease (WA-11-R) to production<br />

licence. DoIR<br />

Laying the second trunkline for Burrup gas processing facilities (Image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Woodside)


22<br />

PWA April Edition - Resources Branch Activities<br />

Reza Malek, Manager Resources Branch,<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>and</strong> Royalties Division<br />

The Resources Branch provides a broad spectrum<br />

<strong>of</strong> services to the industry <strong>and</strong> undertakes an<br />

important regulatory role to facilitate the upstream<br />

petroleum industry development. This review hopes<br />

to provide a better underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> the Resources<br />

Branch roles <strong>and</strong> activities.<br />

There is a significant decision making process<br />

involved in approving field development plans,<br />

production licences, declarations <strong>of</strong> location, wells,<br />

seismic surveys <strong>and</strong> retention leases. The<br />

Resources Branch is effectively the custodian <strong>of</strong> the<br />

natural resources involved in a petroleum field’s<br />

development <strong>and</strong> must ensure that the proposed<br />

development strategy is optimal to maximise<br />

hydrocarbon recovery <strong>and</strong> expedite the project in<br />

the best interests <strong>of</strong> the citizens <strong>of</strong> WA. Thus an<br />

experience-based assessment <strong>of</strong> such proposals is<br />

a prerequisite to a good outcome.<br />

During the past few years the Branch has taken<br />

ambitious <strong>and</strong> creative steps forward <strong>and</strong> has<br />

accomplished a number innovative projects such as<br />

the Atlas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> Fields <strong>and</strong> prospectivity<br />

enhancement packages, as well as being the driving<br />

force behind the Division’s <strong>Petroleum</strong> in WA journal.<br />

New projects such as the Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier<br />

aquifer depletion studies <strong>and</strong> Gorgon CO 2<br />

sequestration studies have been so important that<br />

they have made milestones in Australia’s regulatory<br />

scene <strong>and</strong> demonstrated the tangible role the<br />

Branch has for the responsible production <strong>of</strong> WA<br />

petroleum resources for the long term benefit <strong>of</strong> all<br />

Western Australians.<br />

Approval Processes<br />

The need for technical assessment for numerous<br />

seismic surveys, well approvals <strong>and</strong> development<br />

plans continued throughout 2003, reflecting the<br />

continued interest in the development <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Resources Branch’s Recent Activities<br />

Commonwealth <strong>and</strong> State’s petroleum resources.<br />

They included the assessment <strong>of</strong>: three production<br />

licence renewal applications, <strong>and</strong> three field<br />

development plans, 15 location applications, 12<br />

retention lease applications or renewals <strong>and</strong> 69 well<br />

approvals including 15 development well<br />

applications, 16 appraisal well applications <strong>and</strong> 38<br />

exploration well applications. In addition, WA hosted<br />

a meeting between the Commonwealth <strong>and</strong><br />

State/Territory Designated Authorities to agree on<br />

uniform protocols for the granting <strong>of</strong> Production<br />

Licences <strong>and</strong> approval <strong>of</strong> Field Development Plans<br />

within Commonwealth Waters.<br />

Acreage Releases<br />

During 2003, the Resources Branch coordinated the<br />

release <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> blocks for petroleum<br />

exploration both onshore <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>fshore. Perhaps the<br />

most significant was the release <strong>of</strong> four Canning<br />

Basin blocks that included a prospectivity package<br />

identifying leads <strong>and</strong> prospects in the released blocks<br />

as well as the petroleum systems within the area.<br />

Bids for these areas closed on the 11 March 2004.<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> the overall promotion <strong>of</strong> Western<br />

Australian acreage, the Resources Branch was<br />

involved in a number <strong>of</strong> conferences <strong>and</strong><br />

presentations throughout 2003. These included the<br />

APPEA conference held in Melbourne, the North<br />

American Prospect Expo (NAPE), The Good Oil<br />

Conference <strong>and</strong> DoIR’s <strong>Petroleum</strong> Open Day. The<br />

Branch also produced the Western Australian<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> Opportunities farm-out booklet <strong>and</strong><br />

heavily contributed to two editions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

in Western Australia journal in 2003.<br />

Production monitoring <strong>and</strong> metering<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> is Western Australia’s golden egg, as the<br />

most important revenue source for the State from<br />

resources is generated from royalties associated<br />

with petroleum production. These royalties, for 2001<br />

<strong>and</strong> 2002, amounted to $494.5 <strong>and</strong> $438.5 million<br />

respectively. Although there is a decline in the WA<br />

petroleum royalties associated with decline in<br />

hydrocarbon production, petroleum is still the most<br />

valuable commodity produced in WA, surpassing<br />

iron ore in 1994 <strong>and</strong> gold in 1996. A critical first<br />

step in royalty collection for petroleum is<br />

determining the production from each active field<br />

within the State.<br />

According to the requirement <strong>of</strong> the Schedule <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Specific Requirements for Offshore Exploration <strong>and</strong><br />

Production 1997, the Division must audit petroleum<br />

producers in Commonwealth Offshore <strong>and</strong> State<br />

Water areas. This process involves a review <strong>of</strong> their<br />

data sheets, procedures <strong>and</strong> equipment<br />

specifications to determine whether their<br />

measurement systems in place conform to the<br />

above schedule. During 2003 the Resources Branch<br />

continued to update its hydrocarbon accounting<br />

systems manual <strong>and</strong> it is hoped that the final<br />

product will be use by the middle <strong>of</strong> 2004. Officers<br />

from Resources Branch conducted a number <strong>of</strong> site<br />

visits during the year to audit the measurement<br />

systems in place at production facilities.<br />

Research<br />

The Resources Branch was also actively involved in<br />

research aimed at enhancing the petroleum<br />

prospectivity <strong>of</strong> the State. This research included an<br />

overview <strong>of</strong> the petroleum systems in the central<br />

Canning Basin, potential areas for coal bed methane<br />

exploration <strong>and</strong> production, <strong>and</strong> geological <strong>and</strong><br />

engineering analyses <strong>of</strong> the Wonnich, Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>and</strong> Egret fields.


Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier Sub-basin Aquifer<br />

Depletion Studies<br />

Australia is potentially incurring loss <strong>of</strong> oil as<br />

petroleum production continues. Aquifer pressure<br />

decline is occurring not only in Western Australia<br />

but also in the Gippsl<strong>and</strong> Basin <strong>of</strong> Victoria <strong>and</strong> the<br />

portion <strong>of</strong> the Bonaparte Basin in the Territory <strong>of</strong><br />

Ashmore <strong>and</strong> Cartier (administered by the Northern<br />

Territory Government).<br />

The Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier Sub-basins lie in the<br />

Carnarvon Basin <strong>of</strong>f the northwest coast <strong>of</strong> WA. First<br />

oil from the Barrow Sub-basin came on-stream in<br />

1986 <strong>and</strong> production from the fields in this area has<br />

been continuous since 1986. The value <strong>of</strong><br />

petroleum royalties from the Barrow Sub-basin was<br />

$56 million in 2002/03.<br />

First oil from the Dampier Sub-basin came onstream<br />

from the Talisman oilfield in July 1989. The<br />

value <strong>of</strong> petroleum royalties from the Dampier Subbasin<br />

was $262 million in 2002/03. These subbasins<br />

lie both in WA State waters <strong>and</strong> the<br />

Commonwealth Adjacent Area.<br />

Originally, it was believed that the reservoirs in the<br />

Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier Sub-basins had infinite aquifer<br />

pressure support with no regional draw-down effect.<br />

Recent observations from newly discovered fields in<br />

the Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier Sub-basins, however,<br />

indicated that there has been a significant pressure<br />

draw down in some parts <strong>of</strong> these sub-basins. Also,<br />

petrophysical logs from some <strong>of</strong> these discoveries<br />

indicated a few metres <strong>of</strong> residual oil below the oil<br />

water contact.<br />

As a result <strong>of</strong> pressure draw down <strong>and</strong> subsequent<br />

gas cap expansion, oil accumulations in these<br />

reservoirs may have been forced down into the<br />

aquifer <strong>and</strong>, where this migration extended below<br />

spill point, it is possible that some oil may have<br />

been lost. This, in turn, means that millions <strong>of</strong><br />

dollars worth <strong>of</strong> royalties could have been lost. The<br />

conclusions that can be drawn from the above<br />

observations would have serious implications for the<br />

conservation <strong>of</strong> as yet undiscovered <strong>and</strong>/or<br />

undeveloped hydrocarbon resources in the region as<br />

well as known <strong>and</strong> developed fields.<br />

It is crucial for the regulatory bodies to fully<br />

underst<strong>and</strong> the implications <strong>of</strong> draw down <strong>and</strong><br />

subsequent possible loss <strong>of</strong> oil <strong>and</strong> its impact on<br />

State <strong>and</strong> Commonwealth revenues. To assist in this<br />

investigation, the <strong>Petroleum</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> DoIR<br />

engaged the services <strong>of</strong> OPES International <strong>and</strong><br />

CSIRO between 2000 <strong>and</strong> 2003. The main objective<br />

was to determine the extent at which hydrocarbons<br />

are potentially being lost in the region <strong>and</strong> possible<br />

future losses <strong>and</strong> the affect on royalty income to the<br />

State <strong>and</strong> Commonwealth.<br />

Based on the results <strong>of</strong> the Barrow Sub-basin study<br />

by the year 2030, the total oil loss can be as high<br />

as 83 GL. At current oil prices (approximately A$50<br />

per barrel), a loss in royalty due to oil loss amounts<br />

to $5 per barrel <strong>and</strong> therefore the WA community<br />

could lose as much as $2.6 billion by 2030 if<br />

corrective measures are not taken against aquifer<br />

depletion in the Barrow Sub-basin. Similarly, based<br />

on the results <strong>of</strong> the Dampier Sub-basin study by<br />

the year 2030, the total oil loss can be as high as<br />

42 GL. Once again, this could mean a potential loss<br />

<strong>of</strong> up to $1.33 billion to the WA community.<br />

These studies revived the interest in industry to<br />

implement their investigations. Major WA operators<br />

such as Woodside Energy Limited, Santos <strong>and</strong><br />

Apache Energy have already recognized aquifer<br />

depletion <strong>and</strong> its possible impact. There is increased<br />

interest within the WA petroleum industry to take<br />

part in a joint Government/Industry task force to deal<br />

with the issue in a constructive manner. WA<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources has already<br />

taken a number <strong>of</strong> initiatives to share the results <strong>of</strong><br />

these studies in the Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier Sub-basins<br />

with the petroleum industry <strong>and</strong> Commonwealth.<br />

Feasibility Study <strong>of</strong> Gorgon CO 2 Sequestration<br />

at Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

The Gorgon gasfield is situated 130 km <strong>of</strong>f the<br />

northwest coast <strong>of</strong> Western Australia in 200 metres<br />

<strong>of</strong> water <strong>and</strong> was discovered in 1981. The Gorgon<br />

field has certified proven hydrocarbon gas reserves<br />

<strong>of</strong> 272.69 Gm 3 (9.63 Tcf). Carbon dioxide comprises<br />

about 14 mole % <strong>of</strong> the raw gas resource. The<br />

Gorgon Venture asked the WA Government to<br />

consider whether it could be acceptable, in<br />

principle, for a gas processing plant to be located<br />

on Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong>.<br />

According to Chevron Texaco, l<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong><br />

processing gas from Gorgon on Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> is the<br />

most economically viable option for the project. The<br />

field development concept consists <strong>of</strong> sub-sea wells<br />

arranged in several production centres over the<br />

field, tied back to gas processing facilities on<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> via a 70 km pipeline. Later on, a gas<br />

connection will be installed from Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> to<br />

the mainl<strong>and</strong> connecting Gorgon gas to the existing<br />

domestic pipeline.<br />

DoIR <strong>and</strong> ChevronTexaco Australia agreed to<br />

regularly review the technical work being<br />

performed. To assist in the assessment, DoIR<br />

engaged the services <strong>of</strong> Curtin University. The Phase<br />

1 review was completed in June 2003 <strong>and</strong> provided<br />

technical assurance on the feasibility <strong>of</strong> CO 2 storage<br />

beneath Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong>. This provided one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

criteria for the WA State Government’s decision to<br />

grant in-principle access to Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> for the<br />

project. The in-principle approval for access to<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> was granted on September 8, 2003<br />

after rigorous reviews <strong>and</strong> careful consideration.<br />

The Phase 1 review provided a comparative risk<br />

analysis, which compared most <strong>of</strong> the injection <strong>and</strong><br />

storage parameters <strong>of</strong> the Utsira Formation -<br />

Sleipner West (a site where the injection <strong>and</strong><br />

PWA April Edition - Resources Branch Activities 23<br />

storage process is considered a success by the<br />

Norwegian Government) with the proposed injection<br />

<strong>and</strong> storage parameters <strong>of</strong> the Dupuy Formation -<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong>. The key findings <strong>of</strong> the DoIR review<br />

concluded that injection <strong>of</strong> Gorgon reservoir CO 2<br />

into the Dupuy Formation at Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> was<br />

technically feasible, <strong>and</strong> the acknowledged risks<br />

were to be expected <strong>and</strong> manageable. However it<br />

was also concluded that long term monitoring <strong>of</strong><br />

CO 2 migration needs to be addressed.<br />

The Phase 1 general recommendations were related<br />

to improving the subsurface definition <strong>of</strong> the earth<br />

model, further assessment <strong>of</strong> seal <strong>and</strong> fault<br />

integrity, injectivity, near-well bore reactions <strong>and</strong><br />

CO 2 surveillance <strong>and</strong> monitoring technologies. Key<br />

DoIR recommendations included the need for<br />

additional geological data <strong>and</strong> a long-term<br />

monitoring strategy for reservoir management <strong>and</strong><br />

contingency planning.<br />

More specifically the study recommended that at<br />

least one pilot well must be drilled at injection site to<br />

acquire the necessary core <strong>and</strong> geological<br />

information, acquire further seismic surveys in<br />

northern Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong>, perform further mapping <strong>of</strong><br />

the seal, application <strong>of</strong> CO 2 , simulators for future<br />

Dupuy aquifer studies, identify the optimum long term<br />

monitoring methodology <strong>and</strong> drill an inclined injection<br />

well with 3 km reach into the <strong>of</strong>fshore areas.<br />

Development <strong>of</strong> this world-class resource is <strong>of</strong><br />

national importance <strong>and</strong> will benefit Australia with<br />

employment opportunities <strong>and</strong> infrastructure<br />

development. It is important to note, that Gorgon may<br />

also provide the foundation development on which<br />

the Greater Gorgon area fields can be advanced. DoIR


24<br />

PWA April Edition - Magnetotelluric Surveys<br />

Peter Kirk, <strong>Petroleum</strong> Geophysicist<br />

Peter Kirk Geophysical Consultancy Pty Ltd<br />

Of all the geophysical techniques used in<br />

petroleum exploration in Australia over the last 50<br />

years or more, the magnetotelluric or MT method<br />

has been used the least frequently <strong>and</strong> is probably<br />

the least familiar method to explorationists. There<br />

have, in fact, been five MT surveys conducted in<br />

WA, one conventional MT survey <strong>and</strong> four audio<br />

frequency MT (AMT) surveys, all <strong>of</strong> which have<br />

been conducted onshore.<br />

Although to date the technique has not resulted in<br />

any major discoveries, it has produced some<br />

interesting results <strong>and</strong> in the case <strong>of</strong> one survey it<br />

accurately predicted the results <strong>of</strong> two<br />

unsuccessful wells. It deserves to be used more<br />

frequently, particularly in areas where the seismic<br />

technique has significant problems (mainly due to<br />

shallow limestone) or where seismic acquisition is<br />

restricted due to environmental problems.<br />

The Magnetotelluric Method<br />

Magnetotellurics (MT) is a division <strong>of</strong> geophysics<br />

which studies the earth’s naturally occurring<br />

electromagnetic field <strong>and</strong> the telluric (from the<br />

Greek Tellus meaning earth) currents caused by<br />

fluctuations therein. Many researchers say that this<br />

source is “many orders <strong>of</strong> magnitude greater than<br />

the strengths <strong>of</strong> fields that can be generated with<br />

man-made sources on the surface <strong>of</strong> the earth”.<br />

The primary energy source is naturally occurring<br />

electromagnetic waves that are confined to the<br />

space between the ionosphere <strong>and</strong> the earth’s<br />

surface, these circumnavigate the globe <strong>and</strong> are<br />

consequently known as ‘spherics’. The frequencies<br />

<strong>of</strong> these waves cover a spectrum from 10 -3 Hz to<br />

10 4 Hz (about 22 octaves). The low to mid<br />

frequencies are caused by the interaction <strong>of</strong> the<br />

natural solar wind with the earth’s magnetic field,<br />

whilst the higher frequencies are generally<br />

Magnetotelluric Surveys for <strong>Petroleum</strong><br />

Exploration in Western Australia<br />

attributed to distant lightning strikes. Nearby<br />

lightning strikes, powerful man-made transmitters<br />

<strong>and</strong> highly irregular solar activity due to solar flares<br />

all produce levels <strong>of</strong> unwanted noise that prevent the<br />

recording <strong>of</strong> useful signal <strong>and</strong> also introduce<br />

spurious ‘static’ delays or depth shifts. Constant<br />

monitoring <strong>of</strong> sunspot activity or ‘space weather’ is<br />

necessary but this is greatly facilitated by the<br />

availability <strong>of</strong> reliable online data compiled by solar<br />

observatories, including the one at Learmonth in WA.<br />

Since the bulk <strong>of</strong> the useful energy is generated by<br />

the interaction with the solar wind, it is normally only<br />

possible to record during daylight hours.<br />

The primary energy source induces telluric currents<br />

just below the earth’s surface in large sheets,<br />

preferentially through conducting layers such as<br />

brine filled sedimentary rocks <strong>and</strong> certain mineral<br />

deposits. These currents flow more slowly through<br />

resistive layers such as dense limestone, volcanics<br />

such as basalt, tight non-porous rocks <strong>and</strong><br />

evaporites including salt (although salt in solution is<br />

highly conductive, solid salt is highly resistive). The<br />

currents can be readily measured as a result <strong>of</strong> the<br />

horizontal potential gradients <strong>and</strong> the horizontal <strong>and</strong><br />

vertical magnetic gradients that they produce at the<br />

surface. A modern recording instrument normally<br />

incorporates two electrical antennae horizontally at<br />

right angles <strong>and</strong> three magnetic coiled antennae<br />

horizontally <strong>and</strong> vertically at right angles. These<br />

signals may be recorded separately or the magnetic<br />

<strong>and</strong> electrical signal may be combined <strong>and</strong> recorded<br />

in stereo on digital magnetic tape. A high sampling<br />

rate is required for the higher frequency<br />

components <strong>and</strong> this is provided by modern DAT<br />

recorders, principally used by the music industry.<br />

The depth <strong>of</strong> penetration <strong>of</strong> the induced currents<br />

within the earth depends upon the frequency <strong>of</strong> the<br />

primary source with lower frequencies necessary to<br />

induce currents at greater depths. In order to<br />

measure currents kilometres below the surface, we<br />

need frequencies with periods <strong>of</strong> several minutes.<br />

Typically the length <strong>of</strong> each individual recording is<br />

20 minutes for petroleum exploration. The digitally<br />

recorded signals, which contain information for all<br />

depths, are demodulated by analogue or digital<br />

computer to final form for analysis. The recorded<br />

signal contains frequency-phase vs. amplitude<br />

information relating to the incoming field at the<br />

surface, the decaying earth carrier field, <strong>and</strong> the<br />

modulation resulting from the earth’s resistivity<br />

reflection coefficients. The former two fields are<br />

extracted using least square methods. Only the<br />

earth’s resistivity pr<strong>of</strong>ile remains as a function <strong>of</strong><br />

frequencies. The depth <strong>of</strong> investigation is a result <strong>of</strong><br />

the frequency <strong>of</strong> the data <strong>and</strong> the resistivity, <strong>and</strong> this<br />

is approximately described by the well known ‘skin<br />

depth equation’ - skin depth (m) = 500 p/f.<br />

Simplification <strong>of</strong> the “skin depth” equation is used to<br />

convert the pr<strong>of</strong>iles to depth. The result <strong>of</strong> this<br />

process is a series <strong>of</strong> electric <strong>and</strong> magnetic<br />

reflection coefficients. These are then combined to<br />

form the apparent resistivity series defined by<br />

Z = E/H as a function <strong>of</strong> depth. In addition phase<br />

values with depth are also obtained. The depths<br />

derived from the skin depth equation can then be<br />

corrected at a calibration well within the survey<br />

area. However, changes in the overburden<br />

composition, irregular variations in the earth’s<br />

magnetic field <strong>and</strong> accelerated solar activity can<br />

affect the depth accuracy. This can occur from dayto-day<br />

or from one survey area to another. These<br />

inaccuracies can be reduced by recording at a<br />

known calibration point at least every day <strong>and</strong><br />

sometimes continuously throughout the day.<br />

Sophisticated inversion algorithms can also be used<br />

to produce 2D <strong>and</strong> even 3D plots <strong>of</strong> apparent<br />

resistivity using all 5 recorded signals at each


station. However, for conventional MT recording<br />

these models generally lack the resolution needed<br />

for accurate prospect delineation.<br />

In addition to the primary frequencies induced in the<br />

telluric currents, higher order harmonic energy is<br />

also generated. The audio frequency magnetotelluric<br />

(AMT) technique varies from conventional MT by<br />

attempting to analyse the higher frequency<br />

harmonics <strong>of</strong> the recognised lower frequency carrier<br />

waves that propagate within the earth. As with<br />

conventional MT, the final output is a pseudoresistivity<br />

curve but with greater vertical resolution.<br />

These plots, when compared to wireline data from<br />

wellbores, <strong>of</strong>ten show a good correlation with a self<br />

potential (SP) log. In addition, the phase component<br />

within low resistivity (i.e. porous) zones may be<br />

further analysed for phase distortions considered<br />

typical <strong>of</strong> hydrocarbon pore saturation. Because the<br />

frequencies <strong>of</strong> the data are in the audio frequency<br />

range, the analogue signal can be listened to by an<br />

experienced operator in the same manner as used<br />

by a trained sonar operator <strong>and</strong> then categorised as<br />

being strongly or weakly typical <strong>of</strong> water, gas or oil.<br />

Computer s<strong>of</strong>tware to try to perform this task<br />

digitally has been written but it is currently not as<br />

good. The scientific validity <strong>of</strong> this technique is not<br />

theoretically proven but even where these ‘shows’<br />

are not definitive they are <strong>of</strong>ten useful in correlating<br />

responses from one station to another.<br />

The Canning Basin<br />

The first MT survey for petroleum exploration in WA<br />

was conducted in the central Canning Basin for Elf<br />

Aquitaine in 1968. It was a fairly extensive<br />

conventional MT survey, which provided useful<br />

information about the basin structure <strong>and</strong> sediment<br />

thickness in the area <strong>of</strong> the survey.<br />

The second survey in the Canning Basin was an<br />

AMT survey conducted by Digital Magneto-telluric<br />

Technologies (DMT) for Kingsway Resources 2001<br />

to help evaluate the Sally May prospect (formerly<br />

known as Cetus) in 2003. This prospect is a large<br />

Ordovician sub-salt play with 4-way dip closure<br />

previously identified from both a seismic grid <strong>and</strong><br />

from an aeromagnetic survey. The MT survey<br />

comprised approximately 20 recordings over the<br />

prospect plus calibration recordings at two <strong>of</strong>fset<br />

wells; Looma 1, which discovered oil at the main<br />

prospective reservoir levels <strong>and</strong> Fruitcake 1, which<br />

is the closest well to the prospect. The survey<br />

produced results that closely matched data from the<br />

wells <strong>and</strong> provided information on the depth<br />

structure <strong>of</strong> the prospect, likely reservoir quality,<br />

thickness <strong>and</strong> fluid fill. Looma 1 encountered oil in<br />

six zones, 3 zones in the Nita Formation carbonate<br />

section <strong>and</strong> 3 in the deeper Acacia Formation<br />

s<strong>and</strong>stone. All zones correctly were predicted from<br />

analysis <strong>of</strong> the MT data without detailed prior<br />

knowledge. Looma 1 did not flow oil to surface due<br />

to very poor permeability in the reservoir sections.<br />

Fruitcake 1 was an unsuccessful test <strong>of</strong> a shallow<br />

(post-salt) play type.<br />

The crest <strong>of</strong> the structure identified from two<br />

perpendicular lines <strong>of</strong> MT recordings more closely<br />

matched the result predicted from the aeromagnetic<br />

survey than that previously interpreted from the<br />

seismic survey. The seismic data interpretation was<br />

severely affected by velocity variations due to<br />

varying salt thickness <strong>and</strong> also infilled eroded<br />

channels at the top <strong>of</strong> the salt. The MT data predicts<br />

a 45 m oil column at the structurally highest point<br />

recorded. The Sally May prospect is likely to be<br />

drilled in 2004.<br />

The Carnarvon Basin<br />

Three separate MT surveys were carried out in this<br />

basin, mainly focussed on the Rough Range <strong>and</strong><br />

Giralia anticlines.<br />

In 1999-2000, Empire Oil & Gas carried out<br />

technical work to appraise the Rough Range oilfield,<br />

culminating in the drilling <strong>of</strong> Rough Range 1B <strong>and</strong><br />

Central Rough Range 1. The Rough Range anticline<br />

was formed by Miocene aged compressional<br />

reactivation <strong>of</strong> the Rough Range fault (a major<br />

Jurassic fault). A small oil accumulation exists within<br />

the Early Cretaceous Birdrong S<strong>and</strong>stone at the<br />

crest <strong>of</strong> the anticline. Since the accumulation is far<br />

from being filled to spill, it is likely to have remigrated<br />

from a nearby accumulation following the<br />

Miocene compression. The anticline is easily<br />

observable at the surface that comprises weathered<br />

Miocene aged Trealla Limestone. The recent<br />

weathering <strong>of</strong> the Trealla carbonates has resulted in<br />

rapid near-surface velocity variations, which badly<br />

affect the seismic data recorded over the anticline.<br />

PWA April Edition - Magnetotelluric Surveys 25<br />

A Brief History <strong>of</strong> the Magnetotelluric Method<br />

1939 First documented experiments with MT reported by Schlumberger in France.<br />

1953 Cagniard discovered that the ratio <strong>of</strong> E/H as a function <strong>of</strong> frequency could yield a plot <strong>of</strong><br />

resistivity with depth. This was also discovered independently by Russian researchers.<br />

1960’s MT becomes main technique for evaluating new basins in Europe <strong>and</strong> North Africa. Extensive<br />

use <strong>of</strong> MT in Siberia results in the discovery <strong>of</strong> many giant oilfields.<br />

1968 First MT survey in Australia carried out by Elf in the Canning Basin.<br />

1980’s Development <strong>of</strong> AMT technique. Improvements in instrumentation. Used for prospect<br />

evaluation as well as regional studies. Used in many in-house research groups for<br />

companies like Shell, Chevron, Amoco, Arco, Sohio, etc.<br />

1990’s First use <strong>of</strong> MT on seafloor to evaluate sub-salt <strong>and</strong> sub-basalt plays. Further improvements<br />

in instrumentation result in very lightweight portable systems <strong>and</strong> better sampling accuracy.<br />

Constant monitoring <strong>of</strong> solar activity possible. GPS surveying.<br />

Empire commissioned additional work to try to<br />

address this problem including the use <strong>of</strong> pre-stack<br />

depth migration (PSDM). Unfortunately, Central<br />

Rough Range 1 came in low to prognosis <strong>and</strong><br />

proved to be on the edge <strong>of</strong> the field. A post mortem<br />

<strong>of</strong> the well results concluded that the PSDM method<br />

could not determine seismic velocities with sufficient<br />

accuracy to define the small accumulation present.<br />

Following the drilling <strong>of</strong> Central Rough Range 1, the<br />

Rough Range field was now surrounded by<br />

unsuccessful wells – Rough Range 4, 5, 6, 10, 11<br />

<strong>and</strong> Central Rough Range 1. It was now possible to<br />

determine a very accurate velocity field using well<br />

data alone. This was done <strong>and</strong> a revised map <strong>of</strong> the<br />

field produced. Immediately following this, the<br />

results <strong>of</strong> a magnetotelluric survey carried out in<br />

1987 were discovered. This survey was carried out<br />

for Nomeco who were one <strong>of</strong> the participants in the<br />

Ampolex led joint venture. The MT survey was<br />

recorded <strong>and</strong> analysed following the acquisition <strong>of</strong><br />

the 1986 seismic survey but prior to the drilling <strong>of</strong><br />

Rough Range 11. The map <strong>of</strong> the top Birdrong<br />

S<strong>and</strong>stone then obtained from the survey matched<br />

exactly with that derived from the seismic data<br />

corrected with the velocity field derived post Central<br />

Rough Range 1 (totally independently). In addition,<br />

the MT survey would have accurately predicted the<br />

results <strong>of</strong> Rough Range 11 <strong>and</strong> Central Rough<br />

Range 1 to within 2 m. A close examination <strong>of</strong> the<br />

results <strong>of</strong> the survey also showed that the top <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Birdrong S<strong>and</strong>stone could be picked unambiguously<br />

with a high degree <strong>of</strong> accuracy. In addition, the<br />

method allowed prediction <strong>of</strong> the fluid content <strong>of</strong> the<br />

reservoir <strong>and</strong> column heights predicted over the<br />

field area also proved to be accurate.


26<br />

PWA April Edition - Magnetotelluric Surveys<br />

Empire decided to contact the company responsible<br />

for carrying out the survey <strong>and</strong> contracted DMT, to<br />

carry out a new MT survey starting in November<br />

2000 to evaluate a number <strong>of</strong> other prospects that<br />

had been identified from the re-interpretation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

seismic data. The prospects identified included<br />

small four-way dip closures on the Rough Range<br />

anticline, (the largest named Brooke); a large fault<br />

dependent closure at the northern end <strong>of</strong> the<br />

anticline updip <strong>of</strong> Lefroy Hill 1 (Tess); a fault<br />

dependent closure to the east <strong>of</strong> the Rough Range<br />

fault (Jennifer); <strong>and</strong> updip <strong>of</strong> Parrot Hill 1 (Elysia).<br />

The survey was carried out between 10 November<br />

<strong>and</strong> 4 December 2000 by DMT technologies under<br />

the supervision <strong>of</strong> Empire Oil & Gas. Field<br />

operations went very smoothly with very few hitches<br />

<strong>and</strong> overall productivity was on average 30% higher<br />

than expected, which enabled additional programme<br />

to be recorded. After the first two days recording,<br />

Empire undertook the acquisition programme<br />

leaving the DMT operator, Bob Mecionis, to<br />

concentrate on the analysis <strong>of</strong> the data. The main<br />

advantage <strong>of</strong> this method <strong>of</strong> operation to Empire<br />

was the flexibility to be able to change the<br />

programme as preliminary results were obtained.<br />

The ability to be able to record data on any<br />

particular day was subject to the vagaries <strong>of</strong> solar<br />

weather. A total <strong>of</strong> 165 points were recorded –<br />

approximately 60 more than was originally planned.<br />

The Rough Range area is well suited to the MT<br />

method due to the sharp contrast between the<br />

saline Birdrong reservoir <strong>and</strong> the overlying shales<br />

<strong>and</strong> also due to the ideal ground conditions.<br />

DMT were provided with log data from the Rough<br />

Range 1A well. Analysis <strong>of</strong> all other points was done<br />

without prior knowledge <strong>of</strong> any existing<br />

interpretation or <strong>of</strong> the results <strong>of</strong> the other wells<br />

recorded. The initial test programme consisted <strong>of</strong> a<br />

line across the Rough Range field including the<br />

Rough Range 1A well plus points recorded at the<br />

following wells – Rough Range 6, Rough Range 10,<br />

Rough Range 11, Central Rough Range 1, Rough<br />

Range 2 <strong>and</strong> Rough Range 7. Interpretation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

line over the field confirmed the existing<br />

interpretation within expected margins <strong>of</strong> error for<br />

both structure <strong>and</strong> fluid content. For the additional<br />

well points the Z-scan plots accurately identified the<br />

top <strong>of</strong> the Birdrong to an accuracy <strong>of</strong> +/- 3 m <strong>and</strong><br />

identified fluid content <strong>and</strong> column heights with<br />

complete accuracy. The author can personally<br />

confirm that these results were obtained in strict<br />

‘blind test’ conditions. In addition, the top reservoir<br />

was an unambiguous pick on all the analysed plots,<br />

thin zones within the Windalia Radiolarite typically<br />

gave a weak oil responses followed by a bl<strong>and</strong><br />

medium to high electromagnetic (EM) impedance<br />

response through the Muderong Shale followed by a<br />

sharp kick to a low EM impedance zone<br />

corresponding to the Birdrong S<strong>and</strong>stone, which<br />

gave either a strong water response sometimes<br />

preceded by a few metres <strong>of</strong> an oil response. It was<br />

concluded that the method appeared to be working<br />

to better than expectations <strong>and</strong> that the remainder<br />

<strong>of</strong> the survey should proceed as planned <strong>and</strong><br />

possibly exp<strong>and</strong>ed.<br />

The main results <strong>of</strong> the remainder <strong>of</strong> the survey,<br />

were that the Brooke, Tess, Elysia <strong>and</strong> Jennifer<br />

prospects all yielded encouraging results in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

picked depths <strong>and</strong> predicted oil columns.<br />

Recordings over a number <strong>of</strong> other minor leads <strong>and</strong><br />

prospects (e.g. a lead updip <strong>of</strong> Roberts Hill 1) all<br />

gave negative results. A number <strong>of</strong> other wells were<br />

analysed <strong>and</strong> these mostly gave consistently good<br />

correlations although the oil column <strong>of</strong> 3-6 m (from<br />

logs) in Parrot Hill was not identified <strong>and</strong> there was<br />

a depth error <strong>of</strong> 12 m at Lefroy Hill 1. The updip<br />

Parrot Hill prospect, Elysia, was affected by steep<br />

dip <strong>and</strong> it was found to be necessary to h<strong>and</strong><br />

migrate the results using shallow dips derived from<br />

the seismic data to obtain a more meaningful map.<br />

It was subsequently decided to test the most<br />

promising prospect, Brooke, identified from the MT<br />

survey. This prospect was relatively small in size but<br />

predicted to be about twice as large as the Rough<br />

Range field. It was about 400 m from Rough Range<br />

7 which had good oil shows but was poorly<br />

controlled by seismic <strong>and</strong> what seismic there was,<br />

was affected by a strong velocity field. Unfortunately,<br />

Brooke 1 came in low to prognosis <strong>and</strong> was dry. It is<br />

interpreted that the well was just on the wrong side<br />

<strong>of</strong> a normal fault running perpendicular to the Rough<br />

Range fault <strong>and</strong> sub-parallel to the nearby 2D<br />

Drilling operations at Rough Range (image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Empire Oil <strong>and</strong> Gas)


seismic line <strong>and</strong> that both the nearby MT points <strong>and</strong><br />

the 2D seismic line were imaging the upthrown side<br />

<strong>of</strong> the fault. A fault was interpreted from the MT<br />

results but was placed about 100 m to the north <strong>of</strong><br />

the well location. Steep shallow dips are believed to<br />

be responsible for the data not being imaged in the<br />

correct place. There was no seismic line running in<br />

this direction <strong>and</strong> the shallow data from the MT<br />

survey was not initially analysed.<br />

At the same time as the well Brooke 1 was being<br />

drilled, the third MT survey to be acquired in the<br />

Carnarvon Basin, the S<strong>and</strong>alwood MT survey, was<br />

being acquired in the adjacent permits EP359 <strong>and</strong><br />

EP412. This survey was conducted in June 2001<br />

<strong>and</strong> comprised 88 recordings, many <strong>of</strong> which were<br />

in very remote <strong>and</strong> difficult locations. A large<br />

number <strong>of</strong> leads <strong>and</strong> prospects were tested. The<br />

most encouraging results came from a sizeable<br />

prospect in EP359 on the east side <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Learmonth fault adjacent to Learmonth 2 <strong>and</strong><br />

opposite Trealla 1. An additional 5 wells were<br />

analysed in this survey <strong>and</strong> all had depth accuracies<br />

<strong>of</strong> less than 5 m with the exception <strong>of</strong> Trealla 1,<br />

which was out by 18 m <strong>and</strong> this was attributed to<br />

unusual ground conditions.<br />

It was next decided to test the potentially largest<br />

prospect, Tess. This prospect had previously been<br />

identified from the seismic data <strong>and</strong> was located on<br />

a seismic line, so it was not purely a test <strong>of</strong> the MT<br />

method. As this well was being drilled, depths were<br />

on prognosis until near the base <strong>of</strong> the Muderong<br />

Shale, a thrust fault was intersected <strong>and</strong> a repeat<br />

Muderong Shale section was encountered. The<br />

location on the seismic line appeared to be well<br />

back from the main fault <strong>and</strong> the fault intersected<br />

was essentially subhorizontal <strong>and</strong> almost impossible<br />

to see on the seismic line. Empire did try to<br />

reprocess this line but the tapes were unreadable.<br />

However, it would probably have required 3D<br />

seismic in order to image the fault in question.<br />

Again, the MT data that supported the seismic<br />

interpretation were probably imaging data from the<br />

other side <strong>of</strong> a fault.<br />

The Perth Basin<br />

Empire acquired a small MT survey comprising 13<br />

points in April 2001. This consisted <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong><br />

points in the Gingin area, the Bullsbrook 1 well <strong>and</strong><br />

a number <strong>of</strong> points over the Eclipse prospect. The<br />

results <strong>of</strong> this survey gave an excellent correlation<br />

between the log data at Bullsbrook 1 <strong>and</strong> the MT<br />

plot, the correlation at the Gingin wells was not as<br />

good although some <strong>of</strong> the gas zones at Gingin 1<br />

were correctly identified. The survey also predicted<br />

depths at Eclipse close to that predicted from the<br />

seismic data <strong>and</strong> also predicted gas saturation in<br />

the main target reservoir. Eclipse was defined by a<br />

2D seismic grid <strong>and</strong> exhibited a well-defined AVO<br />

anomaly, which appeared to closely match the<br />

mapped structure. Eclipse 1 was drilled in 2003<br />

with disappointing results, although there was a 3<br />

m oil column in the upper s<strong>and</strong>. The AVO anomaly<br />

was probably due to very clean, high porosity s<strong>and</strong>.<br />

Depth predictions from both the seismic <strong>and</strong> MT<br />

data were quite accurate.<br />

Summary <strong>and</strong> Conclusions<br />

Although to date, the MT method has not resulted in<br />

a commercial discovery in WA, the vast majority <strong>of</strong><br />

exploration wells based on seismic data have also<br />

failed this test. However, the AMT technique has<br />

given prediction.<br />

The major advantages <strong>of</strong> the MT method are:<br />

1. The ability to record data in areas with poor or<br />

uninterpretable seismic signal, e.g. areas with<br />

surface basalt or weathered near surface<br />

PWA April Edition - Magnetotelluric Surveys 27<br />

carbonates.<br />

2. The ability to more precisely predict depths<br />

where the seismic data is affected by changes<br />

in velocity caused by thick layers <strong>of</strong> carbonates<br />

or salt.<br />

3. The ability to record data in environmentally<br />

sensitive areas with restricted or no vehicular<br />

access.<br />

4. It provides information about electrical rock<br />

properties in addition to acoustic rock properties.<br />

Disadvantages <strong>of</strong> the MT method are:<br />

1. In areas <strong>of</strong> complex stratigraphy it may be<br />

difficult to accurately correlate events. However,<br />

recording more closely spaced points may solve<br />

this problem.<br />

2. It can only be used in dry surface conditions –<br />

although it can be used over shallow salt water<br />

or on the seabed.<br />

3. Recording is not possible during unfavourable<br />

periods <strong>of</strong> solar activity or in culturally noisy<br />

areas (i.e. close to radio transmitters, power<br />

lines, etc.).<br />

4. Some depth shifting occurs due to diurnal <strong>and</strong><br />

seasonal changes in the earth’s magnetic field –<br />

recording frequent calibration points can<br />

substantially reduce these inaccuracies.<br />

Worldwide, both conventional MT <strong>and</strong> AMT continue<br />

to be used in oil <strong>and</strong> gas exploration. The most<br />

recent developments include the recording <strong>of</strong><br />

seabed surveys for sub-salt <strong>and</strong> sub-basalt<br />

imaging. Conventional MT has been used<br />

successfully in Papua New Guinea to image beneath<br />

overthrust carbonates. DoIR<br />

image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Paul Cartwright


28<br />

PWA April Edition - State Acreage Release<br />

Richard Bruce<br />

Exploration Geologist, Resources Branch<br />

State Acreage Release March 2004<br />

Figure 1. Location <strong>of</strong> Northern Carnarvon Basin release areas (in blue).<br />

In March 2004 the Western Australian <strong>Department</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources released six petroleum<br />

exploration areas at the APPEA Conference <strong>and</strong><br />

Exhibition, in Canberra.<br />

The Acreage<br />

Applications are invited for the grant <strong>of</strong> Exploration<br />

Permits for areas as in the table below.<br />

The location <strong>of</strong> the application areas is shown in<br />

figures 1, 2 <strong>and</strong> 3.<br />

Key Dates<br />

Release date: Tuesday 30 March 2004<br />

Closing date: 4pm Thursday 30 September 2004<br />

Release package<br />

The CD package includes non-geotechnical<br />

information such as investment background,<br />

applying for acreage <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> access.<br />

Northern Carnarvon Basin Acreage<br />

The Northern Carnarvon Basin, <strong>and</strong> particularly the<br />

Barrow <strong>and</strong> Dampier Sub-basins, is one <strong>of</strong> the more<br />

intensively explored areas <strong>of</strong> Australia. Isl<strong>and</strong>s (such<br />

as Barrow, Airlie, Varanus <strong>and</strong> Thevenard) provide<br />

excellent locations for production facilities <strong>and</strong><br />

bases (Fig. 1).<br />

Area L04-1 is situated some 10 km to the east <strong>of</strong><br />

the Varanus Production Area <strong>and</strong> less than 25 km<br />

southwest from the Stag (oil) Production Licence.<br />

Combined Areas L04-2 <strong>and</strong> T04-1 lie to the west <strong>of</strong>


<strong>and</strong> immediately adjacent to the Airlie Isl<strong>and</strong><br />

Production Facility, as well as immediately north <strong>of</strong><br />

the Thevenard Production Facility. Area L04-3 is<br />

situated immediately adjacent to this facility. Water<br />

depths are less than 50 m in the release areas<br />

making jackup drilling rigs practical to use in these<br />

areas. There is a good coverage <strong>of</strong> 2D seismic <strong>and</strong><br />

partial coverage <strong>of</strong> 3D seismic in the release areas.<br />

The <strong>of</strong>fshore Northern Carnarvon Basin is Australia’s<br />

leading producer <strong>of</strong> both liquid hydrocarbons <strong>and</strong><br />

gas. To date, most oil production has come from the<br />

Barrow Sub-basin. Key factors leading to this<br />

success include good Mesozoic source rocks, which<br />

have generated over a long period <strong>of</strong> time; Lower<br />

Cretaceous reservoir rocks with excellent porosity<br />

<strong>and</strong> permeability; <strong>and</strong> a thick <strong>and</strong> effective regional<br />

seal (Muderong Shale; Baillie <strong>and</strong> Jacobson, 1997).<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the oilfields discovered in the Barrow Subbasin<br />

rely on fault closure where the Winning Group<br />

shales (Muderong Shale <strong>and</strong> Gearle Siltstone)<br />

provide a seal for accumulations in the Barrow<br />

Group, Windalia S<strong>and</strong>stone Member <strong>and</strong> Birdrong<br />

S<strong>and</strong>stone (West Australian <strong>Petroleum</strong> Ltd, 1995).<br />

Perth Basin Acreage<br />

The two Perth Basin release areas (L04-4 <strong>and</strong> L04-<br />

5) are situated east <strong>and</strong> southeast <strong>of</strong> the Woodada<br />

gasfield respectively, in the northern part <strong>of</strong> the basin<br />

(Fig. 2). The area is readily accessible, consisting <strong>of</strong><br />

undulating farm <strong>and</strong> shrub l<strong>and</strong>s. Access from main<br />

roads is relatively simple, <strong>and</strong> petroleum-industry<br />

infrastructure includes two major gas pipelines <strong>and</strong><br />

good roads to an oil refinery 30 km south <strong>of</strong> Perth.<br />

The logistics <strong>and</strong> economics <strong>of</strong> potential oil <strong>and</strong> gas<br />

discoveries are very positive given the proximity <strong>of</strong><br />

existing infrastructure <strong>and</strong> an exp<strong>and</strong>ing market,<br />

particularly since the deregulation <strong>of</strong> Western<br />

Australian gas markets in 1988.<br />

Twelve commercial hydrocarbon fields <strong>and</strong> numerous<br />

additional significant discoveries have been made in<br />

the onshore northern Perth Basin. The largest <strong>of</strong><br />

these by far is the Dongara field, with 14.3 Gm 3<br />

(508 Bcf) <strong>of</strong> original in-place gas <strong>and</strong> 16.6 GL (104<br />

million barrels) <strong>of</strong> original in-place oil. Other notable<br />

discoveries are the Woodada gasfield, the Mount<br />

Horner oilfield <strong>and</strong> the Beharra Springs gasfield. In<br />

recent years, exploration in the Perth Basin has been<br />

revitalised by the discovery <strong>of</strong> the Hovea oilfield by<br />

ARC Energy, the Beharra Springs North gasfield <strong>and</strong><br />

the Jingemia oilfield by Origin Energy, <strong>and</strong> the<br />

<strong>of</strong>fshore Cliff Head oilfield by Roc Oil.<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong>-system analysis indicates that mature<br />

source rocks are widespread, reservoirs are<br />

abundant, <strong>and</strong> structures are well timed for<br />

hydrocarbon entrapment. A critical factor is<br />

considered to be the seal, due to the intense<br />

faulting <strong>and</strong> high s<strong>and</strong>-to-shale ratio <strong>of</strong> the post-<br />

Lower Triassic succession.<br />

The main source for oil is a basal marine facies in<br />

the Lower Triassic Kockatea Shale, with reservoirs in<br />

Lower Triassic <strong>and</strong> Permian s<strong>and</strong>stones. The main<br />

source for gas is the Permian Irwin River Coal<br />

Measures, with reservoirs in the Upper Permian <strong>and</strong><br />

Jurassic strata. Carbonaceous horizons within the<br />

Cattamarra Coal Measures may also contribute gas<br />

from the central part <strong>of</strong> the D<strong>and</strong>aragan Trough<br />

where the unit is up to 6000 m deep.<br />

Major play types include Permian–Triassic <strong>and</strong><br />

Jurassic anticlines as well as Permian–Triassic tilted<br />

fault blocks <strong>and</strong> stratigraphic traps. There are many<br />

untested hydrocarbon prospects in the Perth Basin.<br />

Structures on the upthrown side <strong>of</strong> the Eneabba<br />

Fault are considered the most prospective untested<br />

plays in the release areas, especially where a<br />

reservoir is juxtaposed against sealing units such as<br />

the Cadda Formation <strong>and</strong> shale in the Cattamarra<br />

Coal Measures <strong>and</strong> Eneabba Formation. Strong<br />

PWA April Edition - State Acreage Release 29<br />

Tectonic element Application area 5’ x 5’ Approximate<br />

graticular blocks square kilometres<br />

Northern Carnarvon L04-1 9 720<br />

Basin (<strong>of</strong>fshore) L04-2* & T04-1* 3 & 4 240<br />

L04-3 1 80<br />

Perth Basin (onshore) L04-4 13 1040<br />

L04-5 15 1200<br />

Officer Basin (onshore) L04-6 297 23760<br />

* Combined areas<br />

flows <strong>of</strong> wet gas were encountered within fractured<br />

zones <strong>of</strong> the Kockatea Shale in Eneabba 1 in a<br />

similar structural position (Crostella, 1995),<br />

suggesting that the top Permian level could be an<br />

attractive target where sufficiently shallow. Other<br />

plays include fault plays on the eastern margin <strong>of</strong><br />

L04-4 with a deeply buried Kockatea Shale source,<br />

<strong>and</strong> stratigraphic pinchouts within the Cattamarra<br />

Coal Measures on the western flank <strong>of</strong> the<br />

D<strong>and</strong>aragan Trough with an intra-formational<br />

source.<br />

Officer Basin Acreage<br />

The frontier Officer Area L04-6 is being released at<br />

the request <strong>of</strong> industry who consider it has some<br />

potential for oil. The basin is under-explored<br />

probably because <strong>of</strong> its age <strong>and</strong> its remoteness.<br />

Figure 2. Location <strong>of</strong> Perth Basin release areas (in blue).


30<br />

PWA April Edition - State Acreage Release<br />

However, the Goldfields Gas Transmission Pipeline<br />

runs south from the North West Shelf to Kambalda,<br />

about 200 km west <strong>of</strong> the Officer Basin. Potential<br />

markets or delivery points for discoveries include<br />

mining centres along this pipeline, Alice Springs in<br />

central Australia, <strong>and</strong> coastal ports.<br />

Thin but good source rocks have been identified<br />

through the succession, <strong>and</strong> s<strong>and</strong>stone intervals<br />

with excellent reservoir characteristics are present.<br />

Seals include salt, evaporite, shale, <strong>and</strong> siltstone.<br />

Potential traps formed from the mid-Neoproterozoic<br />

to the Palaeozoic, <strong>and</strong> were in place before the<br />

main phase <strong>of</strong> hydrocarbon generation (Ghori,<br />

1998, 2002).<br />

Mineral exploration drillhole NJD 1 lies on the<br />

Western Platform. NJD 1 intersected a section <strong>of</strong><br />

probable Kanpa <strong>and</strong> Hussar Formation<br />

(Neoproterozoic) beneath 108 m <strong>of</strong> Cainozoic lake<br />

fill, <strong>and</strong> steeply dipping, slightly cleaved<br />

?Mesoproterozoic s<strong>and</strong>stone <strong>and</strong> siltstone at 377 m<br />

(Hocking, 2002). Migrated hydrocarbons are present<br />

in NJD 1 as staining (originally reported as oozing)<br />

in the Neoproterozoic interval, <strong>and</strong> bitumen in the<br />

?Mesoproterozoic interval. Shaly siltstone near the<br />

base <strong>of</strong> the Neoproterozoic succession has good<br />

source-rock potential (Ghori, 1998). However, none<br />

<strong>of</strong> the hydrocarbons from NJD 1 have been charged<br />

from the source rocks intersected by the drill hole,<br />

underlying ?Mesoproterozoic succession.<br />

Acreage release Area L04-6 lies at the western<br />

margin <strong>of</strong> the basin, <strong>and</strong> includes parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Western Platform <strong>and</strong> a thin Phanerozoic<br />

succession (Gunbarrel Basin) that rests directly on<br />

Archaean crystalline basement. Linked deep seismic<br />

lines 01AGSNY-01 <strong>and</strong> 01AGSNY-03 (Cassidy,<br />

2002) extend from the Yilgarn Craton<br />

northeastwards through the area. 01AGSNY-03 was<br />

located to pass through NJD 1, <strong>and</strong> appears to<br />

show shallowly dipping, westward-thinning Officer<br />

Basin rocks overlying variably dipping older<br />

sedimentary <strong>and</strong> unbedded rocks.<br />

Exploration drilling in the Amadeus Basin in the<br />

Northern Territory <strong>and</strong> in the Officer Basin in South<br />

Australia has demonstrated the prospectivity <strong>of</strong><br />

Australia’s Neoproterozoic section. Several oil <strong>and</strong><br />

gas shows were encountered <strong>and</strong> the Dingo gasfield<br />

discovery in the Northern Territory was made.<br />

Results to date have identified reservoirs with<br />

porosities greater than 20% <strong>and</strong> permeabilities<br />

ranging from hundreds <strong>of</strong> millidarcies to more than<br />

a darcy, particularly in the Hussar Formation. Halite<br />

beds greater than 10 m thick in the Browne<br />

Formation <strong>and</strong> shales greater than 10 m thick in the<br />

Browne, Hussar, Kanpa, <strong>and</strong> Lupton Formations<br />

provide potentially effective seals. Thin, but goodquality<br />

source rocks have been found in the<br />

indicating an effective migration pathway from<br />

Figure 3. Location <strong>of</strong> Officer Basin Browne, release Kanpa, area <strong>and</strong> (in blue).<br />

Hussar Formations. The close<br />

elsewhere in the Officer Basin <strong>and</strong> possibly in the<br />

association <strong>of</strong> laminae-scale source rocks with<br />

good-quality reservoir <strong>and</strong> seal horizons indicates<br />

the presence <strong>of</strong> at least the basic physical elements<br />

<strong>of</strong> a petroleum system, <strong>and</strong> the widespread, though<br />

minor shows indicate that hydrocarbons have<br />

moved through the system. Maturity modelling<br />

indicates that substantial hydrocarbon traps had<br />

formed before most <strong>of</strong> the potential source rocks in<br />

the Officer Basin first entered the oil window, <strong>and</strong><br />

much <strong>of</strong> the section remains in the oil-maturation<br />

window today (Ghori, 1998, 2002).<br />

Further Geological Information<br />

For further information on the Perth Basin contact<br />

Arthur Mory (+61 8 9222 3327), or on the Officer<br />

<strong>and</strong> Northern Carnarvon Basins contact Roger<br />

Hocking (+61 8 9222 3590).<br />

To Apply<br />

Western Australia has a work programme bidding<br />

system, details <strong>of</strong> which are available in the release<br />

CD package available on request. Contact:<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>and</strong> Royalties Division<br />

Telephone +61 8 9222 3273<br />

Fax +61 8 9222 3799<br />

References<br />

BAILLIE, P.W. <strong>and</strong> JACOBSON, E.P., 1997,<br />

Prospectivity <strong>and</strong> Exploration History <strong>of</strong> the Barrow<br />

Sub-basin, Western Australia, APPEA Journal 1997,<br />

117–135.<br />

CASSIDY, K. F. (editor), 2002, Geology,<br />

geochronology <strong>and</strong> geophysics <strong>of</strong> the north eastern<br />

Yilgarn Craton, with an emphasis on the Leonora-<br />

Laverton transect area: Geoscience Australia Record<br />

2002/18, 118p.<br />

CROSTELLA, A., 1995, An evaluation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

hydrocarbon potential <strong>of</strong> the onshore northern Perth<br />

Basin, Western Australia: Western Australia<br />

Geological Survey, Report 43, 67p.<br />

GHORI, K. A. R., 1998, <strong>Petroleum</strong> source rock<br />

potential <strong>and</strong> thermal history <strong>of</strong> the Officer Basin,<br />

Western Australia: Western Australia Geological<br />

Survey, Record 1998/3, 52p.<br />

GHORI, K. A. R., 2002, Modelling the hydrocarbon<br />

generative history <strong>of</strong> the Officer Basin, Western<br />

Australia: PESA Journal, no. 29, p. 29–43.<br />

HOCK<strong>IN</strong>G, R. M. (compiler), 2002, Drillhole WMC<br />

NJD 1, western Officer Basin, Western Australia:<br />

Stratigraphy <strong>and</strong> petroleum geology: Western<br />

Australia Geological Survey, Record 2002/18, 26p.<br />

WEST <strong>AUSTRALIA</strong>N PETROLEUM, 1995, Annual<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> Exploration Appraisal <strong>of</strong> the Offshore<br />

Carnarvon Basin Permits WA-24-P <strong>and</strong> TP/3 from<br />

22 June 1994 to 21 June 1995, Western Australian<br />

Geological Survey, S-series, S7003 R1 A2<br />

(unpublished). DoIR


32<br />

PWA April Edition - Diving Regulations<br />

Andrew Pearce<br />

Senior Safety Assessor, Safety <strong>and</strong> Environment Branch<br />

Diving is regarded as a relatively high-risk activity<br />

<strong>and</strong> is one <strong>of</strong> the industries associated with oil<br />

<strong>and</strong> gas exploration <strong>and</strong> production that has been<br />

regulated by Direction for many years. The move<br />

away from reliance on prescriptive Directions to<br />

objective based regulations is ongoing.<br />

Prior to the introduction <strong>of</strong> the Commonwealth<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> (Submerged L<strong>and</strong>s) (Diving Safety)<br />

Regulations 2002 (Diving Safety Regulations) in<br />

May last year, diving operations in both<br />

Commonwealth <strong>and</strong> State areas were regulated<br />

by Direction under Part 8 – Diving <strong>of</strong> the Schedule<br />

<strong>of</strong> Specific Requirements as to Offshore<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> Exploration <strong>and</strong> Production 1995 (the<br />

Offshore Schedule).<br />

Part 8 Diving <strong>of</strong> the Offshore Schedule was<br />

revoked for Commonwealth areas following the<br />

introduction <strong>of</strong> the Diving Safety Regulations;<br />

however, diving in WA State waters is still under<br />

the requirements <strong>of</strong> the Offshore Schedule. It is<br />

anticipated that WA will mirror the Diving Safety<br />

Regulations before the introduction <strong>of</strong> NOPSA<br />

(National Offshore <strong>Petroleum</strong> Safety Authority) in<br />

January 2005; these will apply in State waters<br />

<strong>and</strong> the diving section <strong>of</strong> the Offshore Schedule<br />

will be revoked.<br />

Diving Safety Regulations<br />

The <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Submerged L<strong>and</strong>s) (Diving Safety)<br />

Regulations 2002 - Diving Safety Regulations) were<br />

developed by a tripartite working group (diving<br />

contractors, oil industry <strong>and</strong> State <strong>and</strong><br />

Commonwealth regulators).<br />

Diving Regulations<br />

These are objective based regulations with a<br />

minimum <strong>of</strong> prescription. The main regulations<br />

require:<br />

• diving contractors to develop <strong>and</strong> implement<br />

their own Diving Safety Management System<br />

(DSMS);<br />

• diving contractors <strong>and</strong> operators to develop a<br />

Diving Project Plan (DPP) to identify hazards <strong>and</strong><br />

control risks for the specific project; <strong>and</strong><br />

• involvement <strong>of</strong> employees in both the DSMS<br />

<strong>and</strong> DPP.<br />

There are other regulations covering reporting,<br />

recording, notification, responsibilities <strong>and</strong><br />

qualifications for diving personnel.<br />

The diving contractor’s DSMS must be submitted to<br />

the Designated Authority (DA) for review <strong>and</strong><br />

assessment <strong>and</strong> have the acceptance <strong>of</strong> the<br />

regulator before the diving contractor can operate in<br />

the upstream petroleum industry.<br />

In addition to the DSMS, the diving contractor in<br />

conjunction with the Operator (client) prepare a Diving<br />

Project Plan (DPP). The Operator accepts the DSMS<br />

<strong>and</strong> must approve the DPP for use in the execution <strong>of</strong><br />

works by/for the Operator before diving operations<br />

can begin. The DPP does have to be submitted to the<br />

DA for acceptance or approval; however, the DA can<br />

request a copy for review <strong>and</strong> auditing.<br />

The DSMS <strong>and</strong> the DPP are the rules by which the<br />

diving project must be executed. Works conducted<br />

in breach <strong>of</strong> the diving contractor’s DSMS <strong>and</strong> the<br />

diving project plans are in breach <strong>of</strong> the diving<br />

safety regulations.<br />

Diving Safety Management Systems<br />

Submissions<br />

Many contractors were daunted by the prospect <strong>of</strong><br />

documenting their management systems <strong>and</strong><br />

revising their current documentation to ensure<br />

compatibility with their revamped systems <strong>and</strong><br />

submitting them to the authorities. However, after<br />

going through the process the overwhelming<br />

response from the contractors was positive, with the<br />

general acknowledgement that they wished they<br />

had done this sooner.<br />

Operators <strong>and</strong> the DA may audit the diving<br />

contractor to ensure the DSMS is implemented <strong>and</strong><br />

they are complying with it. The DA audits operators<br />

diving projects against the requirements <strong>of</strong> their DPP.<br />

By the end <strong>of</strong> last year DoIR (as the Western<br />

Australian DA) had assessed <strong>and</strong> accepted DSMS<br />

from 5 diving contractors <strong>and</strong> provided advice to the<br />

Victorian DA on a submission there.<br />

There are 7 contractors with their DSMS accepted<br />

by the DA in Australia. This represents the majority<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fshore diving contractors operating in the oil<br />

<strong>and</strong> gas industry.<br />

What diving approvals are required?<br />

In WA there are 2 areas <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction: WA State<br />

waters, where the diving requirements in the Offshore<br />

Schedule apply <strong>and</strong> the Commonwealth Adjacent<br />

Area where the Diving Safety Regulations apply.<br />

Commonwealth Adjacent Area<br />

From a DoIR perspective, operators are required to<br />

review <strong>and</strong> accept or approve the management<br />

systems <strong>of</strong> their subcontractors. With diving<br />

contractors, operators are obliged to review <strong>and</strong><br />

approve their DSMS before developing <strong>and</strong><br />

approving the DPP. Operators need to ensure that


the contractors they select have their DSMS<br />

accepted by the regulator. Operators are required to<br />

notify the DA <strong>of</strong> diving operations at least 14 days<br />

before they start.<br />

WA State waters<br />

Diving operations in State areas are still regulated<br />

under Part 8 - Diving <strong>of</strong> the Schedule <strong>of</strong> Specific<br />

Requirements as to Offshore <strong>Petroleum</strong> Exploration<br />

<strong>and</strong> Production 1995 (the Offshore Schedule).<br />

The requirements under the Offshore Schedule are<br />

prescriptive. Where there are deviations from the<br />

requirements <strong>of</strong> the Schedule exemptions must be<br />

sought <strong>and</strong> justified before being submitted to the<br />

DA for consideration. The operator is obliged to<br />

obtain approvals from the DA for diving operations<br />

<strong>and</strong> any exemptions required.<br />

The approval for operation in State waters can be<br />

managed in 2 ways, by requesting approval:<br />

• under the requirements <strong>of</strong> the Offshore<br />

Schedule or<br />

• by complying with the requirements <strong>of</strong> the Diving<br />

Safety Regulations.<br />

Option 1 - Under the Offshore Schedule<br />

Under the existing requirements <strong>of</strong> the Offshore<br />

Schedule, the operator must request approval for<br />

the diving operation <strong>and</strong> provide details <strong>of</strong> the<br />

operation to the DA.<br />

Option 2 - In conjunction with Commonwealth<br />

Diving Safety Regulations<br />

With the intention <strong>of</strong> having consistency across<br />

Commonwealth <strong>and</strong> State jurisdictions, DoIR believe<br />

that where the operator uses a diving contractor<br />

who has their DSMS accepted by both the operator<br />

<strong>and</strong> the DA, then the request for approval can be<br />

granted on the basis that the diving contractor <strong>and</strong><br />

the operator comply with the intent <strong>of</strong> the Diving<br />

Safety Regulations. The operator requests approval<br />

for the operation <strong>and</strong> agrees to conduct the<br />

operation under the DSMS <strong>and</strong> DPP.<br />

The subsequent approval from the DA will contain a<br />

general dispensation from the prescriptive hardware<br />

requirements <strong>of</strong> the Offshore Schedule <strong>and</strong> the<br />

differences in diving contractor’s DSMS.<br />

The advantages <strong>of</strong> option 2 are that the operator<br />

<strong>and</strong> diving contractor can maintain a systematic<br />

approach to their operations in both State <strong>and</strong><br />

Commonwealth waters. It allows the diving<br />

contractor <strong>and</strong> the operator to focus on areas <strong>of</strong> risk<br />

associated with the project rather than complying<br />

with specific prescriptive diving requirements <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Offshore Schedule.<br />

The more prescriptive aspects <strong>of</strong> the Offshore<br />

Schedule are managed by having the diving operation<br />

controlled under the diving contractor’s DSMS <strong>and</strong><br />

the DPP, which is approved by the operator.<br />

We would encourage operators <strong>and</strong> diving<br />

contractors to discuss these options so that a<br />

consultative process can occur <strong>and</strong> agreement<br />

reached on the appropriate application <strong>of</strong> the diving<br />

safety regulations.<br />

PWA April Edition - Diving Regulations 33<br />

For additional information <strong>and</strong> links to diving<br />

legislation <strong>and</strong> guidelines please see our web site:<br />

www.doir.wa.gov.au/safetyhealth<strong>and</strong>environment/<br />

petroleumdiving.asp DoIR<br />

Divers on the Woodside Trunkline System Expansion Project. This project was the first major diving project<br />

completed under the Diving Safety Regulations in WA. Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> Technip Oceania Pty Ltd, operators<br />

<strong>of</strong> the CSO Venturer, the diving support vessel from which the diving operations were carried out.


34<br />

PWA April Edition - Coal Seam Methane<br />

Darren Ferdin<strong>and</strong>o<br />

Research Geologist, Resources Branch<br />

Coal seam methane (CSM; also known as coal<br />

bed methane - CBM, <strong>and</strong> coal seam gas - CSG),<br />

is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon that is<br />

generated <strong>and</strong> reservoired within coal seams. The<br />

methane gas is generated either through biogenic<br />

activity in near-surface coals or through<br />

thermogenic activity for deeper coal bodies. The<br />

generated methane is held within the coal by<br />

burial <strong>and</strong> hydrostatic pressure in a process<br />

known as adsorption.<br />

Coal seam methane over the last ten years has<br />

become a significant source <strong>of</strong> sales gas across<br />

eastern Australia. In Queensl<strong>and</strong> for example, nearly<br />

80% <strong>of</strong> the petroleum wells drilled last year were<br />

for CSM operations. Total Queensl<strong>and</strong> CSM<br />

production in 2002/03 is estimated at 25 PJ, which<br />

equates to almost 25% <strong>of</strong> Queensl<strong>and</strong>’s current gas<br />

dem<strong>and</strong> - this is an increase from 2 PJ in 1998 <strong>and</strong><br />

11 PJ in 2001. In New South Wales, CSM<br />

operations accounted for all the petroleum wells<br />

drilled in the State. In 1999/00 the gross value <strong>of</strong><br />

CSM operations in NSW was reported by the NSW<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Mineral Resources at $18.56 million<br />

<strong>and</strong> the value <strong>of</strong> production is expected to increase<br />

to increase by at least 5% annually for the next ten<br />

years, with a new CSM operation well at Camden<br />

due to be commissioned soon. By 2020 it is<br />

estimated that CSM will account for 100 PJ/annum<br />

<strong>of</strong> energy production in eastern Australia, with<br />

Queensl<strong>and</strong> accounting for 60% <strong>of</strong> this <strong>and</strong> New<br />

South Wales the remaining 40%. ABARE has<br />

estimated a 3% annual growth in natural gas<br />

consumption until 2020, increasing from 521 PJ<br />

(17% <strong>of</strong> Australia’s total energy consumption) to<br />

974 PJ in 2020 equating to nearly 20% <strong>of</strong><br />

Australia’s energy consumption. CSM operations<br />

have the potential to contribute to an increasing<br />

proportion <strong>of</strong> this natural gas consumption.<br />

Coal Seam Methane - what’s the gas?<br />

At present there are no commercial CSM operations<br />

in Western Australia; however, the level <strong>of</strong> CSM<br />

exploration in the State has increased over the last<br />

two years. In response to this, the <strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

Royalties Division <strong>of</strong> DoIR is commencing a study<br />

into the CSM potential <strong>of</strong> Western Australia to assist<br />

explorers in this field find appropriate acreage in the<br />

State. This article intends to provide a broad<br />

overview <strong>of</strong> CSM operations <strong>and</strong> the regions <strong>of</strong> the<br />

State that may be prospective for CSM.<br />

Differences between conventional gas <strong>and</strong> CSM<br />

All the gas currently produced in Western Australia<br />

comes from ‘conventional’ gas plays where gas has<br />

been generated at depth in organic-rich claystones<br />

or shales <strong>and</strong> migrated along permeable rock beds<br />

into an area that has effectively trapped the gas; for<br />

example, through sealing the permeable rock<br />

against impermeable rock by faulting; or in creation<br />

<strong>of</strong> domal structures through folding <strong>of</strong> the<br />

permeable rocks that the gas is then trapped in.<br />

Coal seam methane operations involve extracting<br />

methane gas from subsurface coal accumulations.<br />

While it is possible to extract methane from shallow<br />

coals, such as those mined from the Collie coalfields<br />

in the southwest <strong>of</strong> Western Australia, the production<br />

rates from these deposits tend to be noncommercial.<br />

For optimal methane production rates,<br />

coal seams generally need to be at a depth <strong>of</strong><br />

between 500 to 1200 m. The maximum depth <strong>of</strong><br />

burial for coal seam methane production (at<br />

commercial rates) appears to be about 1200 to 1500<br />

m, although some wells produce methane at greater<br />

depths. The minimum depth <strong>of</strong> burial is about 200 to<br />

300 m, depending on the sealing efficiency <strong>of</strong> the<br />

overburden. These are depths at which coal mining is<br />

uneconomic – thus these two uses <strong>of</strong> coal for energy<br />

are not competing for the same resource.<br />

Coal has an extremely large internal surface area<br />

due to its enormous micropore surface area, <strong>and</strong> as<br />

such it can store surprisingly large volumes <strong>of</strong><br />

methane-rich gas; six or seven times as much gas<br />

as a conventional natural gas reservoir <strong>of</strong> equal rock<br />

volume can hold.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the greatest advantages associated with the<br />

coal seam methane resource relative to<br />

conventional gas is that the size <strong>and</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> the<br />

coal deposits, along with the gas content <strong>of</strong> the<br />

coal, can be estimated with a reasonable degree <strong>of</strong><br />

accuracy before major investments are made.<br />

Technical issues for CSM exploration <strong>and</strong><br />

production<br />

The technical considerations in determining whether<br />

a CSM prospect will be commercially viable are<br />

quite different than those used in making such<br />

determination for conventional gas prospects. Key<br />

factors that affect gas flow rates in coal seam<br />

methane projects include the absorption properties<br />

<strong>of</strong> the gas, presence <strong>of</strong> fracturing <strong>and</strong> permeability.<br />

Biogenic vs thermogenic methane<br />

Coal seam methane can be generated through two<br />

distinct mechanisms. The first is generation <strong>of</strong><br />

methane through thermogenic breakdown <strong>of</strong> the<br />

carbon-rich material in the coal due to burial <strong>of</strong> the<br />

coal seam. Thermogenic methane generation<br />

usually occurs at depths <strong>of</strong> greater than 300 m. The<br />

second mechanism for methane generation from<br />

coal seams relies on methane being generated from<br />

bacteria found within the coal at generally shallow<br />

depths (up to 500 m). Research has indicated that<br />

biological methane generation can be very rapid in<br />

low-rank coals such as those found in Western<br />

Australia. This biological gas generation is so rapid<br />

that it is technically feasible to generate usable gas


y introducing appropriate organisms into suitable<br />

coals. This process <strong>of</strong> in-situ biogasification is at the<br />

conceptual stage at present, but has important longterm<br />

implications. Further refinement <strong>of</strong> this process<br />

may be provided by the use <strong>of</strong> genetic engineering<br />

to optimise the organisms for gas generation.<br />

There is some difference <strong>of</strong> opinion regarding the<br />

nature <strong>of</strong> biogenically generated gas in coal seams<br />

- some authorities consider that there is little, if any,<br />

adsorbed gas, <strong>and</strong> that the gas is present in a ‘free’<br />

form in the cleats (small fractures in the coal) <strong>and</strong><br />

other openings, as well as in formation waters. It is<br />

probable that both biogenic <strong>and</strong> thermogenic<br />

scenarios embrace adsorbed, ‘free’ <strong>and</strong> dissolved<br />

gas, but in different proportions. In both scenarios,<br />

the retention <strong>of</strong> gas is almost totally dependant<br />

upon hydrostatic pressure <strong>and</strong> commercial<br />

production, thus involving the production <strong>of</strong><br />

significant water to lower the hydrostatic pressure to<br />

permit the gas to flow.<br />

Coal quality<br />

Increasing ash content causes coal strength to<br />

increase, thereby decreasing the potential for<br />

fracturing/cleating. Coals with lesser amounts <strong>of</strong> ash<br />

are, therefore, the most likely to have the greatest<br />

cleat development - <strong>and</strong> thus the highest<br />

permeabilities. Also, as the ash component <strong>of</strong> coal<br />

cannot absorb methane, it reduces the volume <strong>of</strong><br />

gas that can be contained in a unit volume <strong>of</strong> coal.<br />

The maximum ash content before a coal becomes<br />

non-commercial has not been determined, but<br />

probably varies according to other parameters such<br />

as maturation level. Additionally, the cleat density is<br />

greater in the brighter coal types - such as vitrain<br />

<strong>and</strong> bright clarain <strong>and</strong> substantially less in the dull<br />

coals - like durain.<br />

The process <strong>of</strong> gas flow from the solid coal to the<br />

cleats is one <strong>of</strong> diffusion. Usually the cleats are filled<br />

with water <strong>and</strong> the desorption <strong>of</strong> gas within the cleats<br />

leads to the two phases existing within the cleats. If a<br />

secondary major fracture system exists, flow may<br />

then take place from the cleats to the major fractures<br />

(Figure 1). Both the cleats <strong>and</strong> major fractures exhibit<br />

their own phase dependant permeabilities.<br />

Diagenesis may cause deposition <strong>of</strong> mineral matter<br />

in the coal cleats, significantly reducing coal<br />

permeability. Carbonate infilling is the most<br />

common form <strong>of</strong> diagenesis in coals, but silica,<br />

pyrite, illite, smectite, kaolinite <strong>and</strong> other clays have<br />

also been observed as cleat infillings. Prospective<br />

gas coals should thus be relatively free <strong>of</strong> such<br />

cleat-filling substances.<br />

The gas content <strong>of</strong> any prospective coal should be<br />

greater than 8.5 cc/g (300 scf/t). The coals also<br />

need to reach a certain level <strong>of</strong> thermal maturity in<br />

order to generate gas <strong>and</strong> to produce the structure<br />

<strong>and</strong> chemistry necessary for storing commercial<br />

quantities <strong>of</strong> methane within the coal. The vitrinite<br />

reflectance should be in the range <strong>of</strong> R O <strong>of</strong> 0.7% to<br />

R O <strong>of</strong> 2.0%. In general, the higher the maturity, the<br />

greater the adsorption capability <strong>of</strong> any coal. From<br />

looking at coal seam methane operations in the US,<br />

where the industry is approaching a mature stage, it<br />

appears that the minimum thickness <strong>of</strong> coal<br />

required to produce commercial quantities <strong>of</strong> gas is<br />

5 to 6 metres in no more than 3 or 4 seams.<br />

The gas content <strong>of</strong> coal is usually determined by<br />

gas desorption procedures, which means gas is<br />

desorbed from coal by placing a sample <strong>of</strong> the coal<br />

(usually from drillcore) in a sealed container, <strong>and</strong><br />

measuring the amount <strong>of</strong> released gas over periods<br />

which may range from days to months. This<br />

procedure requires the gas to be desorbed from the<br />

coal’s micropore structure (ie the thermogenic<br />

scenario); however, the predominantly ‘free’ gas <strong>of</strong><br />

the biogenic scenario (or a significant component <strong>of</strong><br />

it) may not be detected by this desorption method<br />

<strong>and</strong>, hence, the resulting low to non-existent gas<br />

contents may give a quite false portrayal <strong>of</strong> gas<br />

producibility from a formation.<br />

Pressure <strong>and</strong> permeability<br />

In thermogenic situations, gas is adsorbed onto the<br />

coal’s micropore surfaces <strong>and</strong> held in place by the<br />

reservoir (water) pressure. The methane within a<br />

coal seam is released when the hydrostatic<br />

pressure is reduced, allowing the cleats in the coal<br />

to exp<strong>and</strong>, increasing permeability <strong>and</strong> commencing<br />

the process <strong>of</strong> desorption <strong>of</strong> the methane gas from<br />

the coal. Most coals show a significant relationship<br />

between effective stress (total stress minus<br />

hydrostatic pressure) <strong>and</strong> permeability. The cleats<br />

being closed by increasing effective stress cause a<br />

reduction in permeability. If fluid pressure is high, it<br />

tends to open the cleats <strong>and</strong> as pressure decreases<br />

with fluid withdrawal the cleats close. The reduction<br />

in permeability may be <strong>of</strong> an order <strong>of</strong> magnitude for<br />

anything between 2 <strong>and</strong> 10 MPa <strong>of</strong> increasing<br />

effective stress. The s<strong>of</strong>ter the coal the more<br />

pronounced this effect is.<br />

As water <strong>and</strong> gas are produced from the seam, the<br />

effective stress increases leading generally to a<br />

reduction in permeability. Many coals, however,<br />

exhibit an increase in permeability with production.<br />

Figure 1. Flow through cleats in coal<br />

PWA April Edition - Coal Seam Methane 35<br />

This is caused by an effect that tends to de-stress<br />

the seam. This de-stressing is a result <strong>of</strong> the fact<br />

that most coals shrink as gas is desorbed. The<br />

shrinkage reduces the lateral stress on the seam<br />

<strong>and</strong> shifts that stress into the surrounding rocks.<br />

These two opposing effects on the effective stress<br />

mean that the permeability <strong>of</strong> the seam may either<br />

decrease or increase with the removal <strong>of</strong> gas <strong>and</strong><br />

water from the seam, depending on the<br />

characteristics <strong>of</strong> the coal <strong>and</strong> associated gas.<br />

Frequently both these effects are present, with an<br />

initial permeability decrease in the reservoir<br />

pressure around the producing well, followed by an<br />

increase as significant desorption-induced<br />

shrinkage occurs within the coal.<br />

Depending on the nature <strong>of</strong> the coal <strong>and</strong> depth <strong>of</strong><br />

burial, this release <strong>of</strong> methane varies from negligible<br />

gas flow to commercial rates <strong>of</strong> gas flow, although<br />

in all cases a significant amount <strong>of</strong> time is required<br />

to dewater the coal bed before any gas is<br />

recovered. Timing <strong>of</strong> water h<strong>and</strong>ling is one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

major differences between CSM <strong>and</strong> convention<br />

gas. With conventional gas, gas is trapped under<br />

pressure <strong>and</strong> overlies water. This pressure is then<br />

used to allow the gas to flow to surface through the<br />

well casing until the rising water level in the trap<br />

increases to the point where the amount <strong>of</strong> gas<br />

produced relative to water becomes uneconomic<br />

because the rate <strong>of</strong> gas production is so low. In<br />

CSM operations, the water, which is holding the gas<br />

to the coal through hydrostatic pressure, is drained<br />

first <strong>and</strong> as the water pressure (measured in terms<br />

<strong>of</strong> hydrostatic pressure on the gasfield) decreases,<br />

adsorbed gas is released from the coal seam <strong>and</strong><br />

then produced through the well bore over a long<br />

period (Figure 2). Over time, the rate <strong>of</strong> gas<br />

desorption decreases until the flow rates become<br />

uneconomic to continue to produce from the bore.<br />

The water, which is commonly saline but in some<br />

areas can be potable, must be disposed <strong>of</strong> in an<br />

environmentally acceptable manner. Surface<br />

disposal <strong>of</strong> large volumes <strong>of</strong> potable water can<br />

affect streams <strong>and</strong> other habitats, <strong>and</strong> subsurface<br />

reinjection makes production more costly.


36<br />

PWA April Edition - Coal Seam Methane<br />

Other considerations<br />

Figure 2. Rate <strong>of</strong> methane production against produced water over time,<br />

water production shown in blue, methane in orange.<br />

The processing <strong>of</strong> CSM is in many cases simpler<br />

than that required <strong>of</strong> conventional gas. Conventional<br />

gas can have a highly variable composition, from<br />

‘dry’ (where the dominant hydrocarbon in the gas is<br />

methane) to ‘wet’ (where the heavier hydrocarbons<br />

such as butane, ethane <strong>and</strong> pentane are present in<br />

the gas in addition to methane). The ‘wet’ gases<br />

need to be stripped <strong>of</strong> the heavier hydrocarbons<br />

(which are sold separately as condensate). In<br />

addition, extraneous gases such as nitrogen, carbon<br />

dioxide <strong>and</strong> hydrogen sulphide may be present in<br />

the gas <strong>and</strong> these must be removed during<br />

processing, as well as water vapour, which must be<br />

stripped from the gas. Once the extraneous<br />

components <strong>of</strong> the conventional gas have been<br />

removed, the gas is then compressed <strong>and</strong> piped to<br />

users. In CSM, the gas is predominantly methane,<br />

<strong>and</strong> impurities such as carbon dioxide are generally<br />

localised <strong>and</strong> comprise a small portion <strong>of</strong> the gas.<br />

The major steps for processing <strong>of</strong> coal seam gas<br />

include removal <strong>of</strong> water vapour from the gas <strong>and</strong><br />

compression <strong>of</strong> the gas to pipeline pressure<br />

conditions. Gas plants for CSM operations therefore<br />

tend to be less complex than those used to process<br />

conventional gas.<br />

To assist the flow <strong>of</strong> gas from the coal to the<br />

producing well, the coal is hydraulically fractured.<br />

This is accomplished by pumping large volumes <strong>of</strong><br />

water <strong>and</strong> s<strong>and</strong> at high rates down the well <strong>and</strong> into<br />

the coal seam. This operation either produces new<br />

fractures or forces the pre-existing cracks <strong>and</strong><br />

fractures in the coal seam to enlarge <strong>and</strong> extend.<br />

The fractures begin at the well bore <strong>and</strong> then<br />

extend for distances <strong>of</strong> up to several hundred<br />

metres away from the well. Fractures deep in the<br />

coal seam are less than one centimetre wide, <strong>and</strong><br />

have no effect on the ground surface.<br />

Producing coal seams must be isolated from flowing<br />

aquifers in order that they may be successfully<br />

dewatered. This is necessary because coal seam<br />

methane is produced from a seam after the water is<br />

allowed to flow in the well, producing a lowered<br />

pressure regime suitable for desorption <strong>of</strong> the methane<br />

from the coal. Paradoxically, too high a permeability in<br />

the coal can allow too much water flow, thus inhibiting<br />

the methane desorption <strong>and</strong> recovery.<br />

In recent years there has been a growing increase<br />

in interest by both the coal industry <strong>and</strong> the<br />

petroleum industry in CSM resources. There are<br />

considerable commercial advantages <strong>of</strong>fered by<br />

methane, that has been drained from coal seams,<br />

as an energy resource. These advantages include a<br />

relatively low “finding cost”, <strong>and</strong>, <strong>of</strong>ten a convenient<br />

location close to major markets.<br />

Potential sources <strong>of</strong> CSM in WA<br />

Perth Basin<br />

Cattamarra Coal Measures<br />

Jurassic coals found in the northern Perth Basin in<br />

1961 on the western flank <strong>of</strong> the D<strong>and</strong>aragan<br />

Trough show potential for CSM production. The<br />

extent <strong>of</strong> high quality coal is estimated at 800 km 2<br />

from Eneabba down to Wongonderrah Spring. A<br />

number <strong>of</strong> CRAE exploration programmes have<br />

covered the near-surface area <strong>of</strong> the coals <strong>and</strong> will<br />

form the basis <strong>of</strong> future studies by DoIR on the<br />

potential for CSM generation from these coals.<br />

Irwin River Coal Measures<br />

Low-grade Lower Permian coals are found in the<br />

northern Perth Basin, <strong>and</strong> were the first coal beds to<br />

be recorded in Western Australia in 1846. The coal<br />

measures extend <strong>of</strong> over 600 km 2 <strong>and</strong> CRAE<br />

undertook a systematic study <strong>of</strong> the region during<br />

the late 1980s <strong>and</strong> early 1990s. Coal resources for<br />

the Irwin River Coal Measures are estimated at<br />

1180 Mt <strong>of</strong> inferred in situ coal. The coals have an<br />

ash content <strong>of</strong> 11 to 31%, are sub-bituminous <strong>and</strong><br />

generally dull. At a depth <strong>of</strong> 145 m, the vitrinite<br />

reflectance ranges from 0.5 to 0.6 <strong>and</strong> the coals<br />

have a medium to low sulphur content.<br />

Sue Coal Measures<br />

Low-moderate grade Lower Permian coals <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Sue Coal Measures are found in the southern Perth<br />

Basin in the graben between the Darling <strong>and</strong><br />

Dunsborough Faults. Up to 17 coal seams with a<br />

maximum recorded seam thickness <strong>of</strong> 5.5 m are<br />

present, varying in rank from lignitic to bituminous,<br />

with the most economically attractive seams near<br />

the base <strong>of</strong> the Permian strata.<br />

Collie Basin<br />

The Collie Basin is a sedimentary outlier on the<br />

southwest Yilgarn Craton <strong>and</strong> hosts Western<br />

Australia’s most significant coalfield. The coal<br />

sequence has a maximum thickness <strong>of</strong> 700 m <strong>and</strong><br />

individual seams vary in thickness, with a maximum<br />

<strong>of</strong> 13 m recorded. The vitrinite reflectance <strong>of</strong> coals<br />

mined from the Collie coalfields is approximately<br />

0.65 at 130 m.<br />

Canning Basin<br />

Coal-bearing areas <strong>of</strong> the Canning Basin are mainly<br />

confined to the Fitzroy Trough <strong>and</strong> occur in Upper<br />

Permian sediments. The coal is thin <strong>and</strong> sparse, <strong>and</strong><br />

the resource appears to be limited <strong>and</strong> highly<br />

faulted. Upper Jurassic coals have also been<br />

recorded in the Canning Basin in petroleum wells,<br />

but no specific details on these coals are known at<br />

present.<br />

Carnarvon Basin<br />

Thin Permian coals have been recorded from the<br />

southern Carnarvon Basin, notably within the Byro<br />

<strong>and</strong> Merlinleigh Sub-basins <strong>and</strong> along the<br />

W<strong>and</strong>agee Ridge. Limited data is available on these<br />

coals, <strong>and</strong> comes from both petroleum well data<br />

<strong>and</strong> mineral exploration programmes.<br />

Bremer <strong>and</strong> Eucla Basins<br />

Cainozoic brown coals are found within the Bremer<br />

<strong>and</strong> Eucla Basins <strong>and</strong> the deposits cover a<br />

significant area <strong>of</strong> the basins including<br />

contemporaneous drainage channels. The coal<br />

generally occurs as a single seam up to 12 m thick<br />

within the Werillup Formation. Exploration drilling <strong>of</strong><br />

these coals has occurred on a limited basis, <strong>and</strong> the<br />

coal has higher ash, salt <strong>and</strong> sulphur content than<br />

brown coals from Victoria.<br />

Conclusion<br />

The capacity <strong>of</strong> coal to hold gas is dependent on<br />

porosity, which in turn is related to coal quality, gas<br />

composition <strong>and</strong> gas pressure. A general<br />

relationship has been established that adsorptive<br />

capacity (<strong>and</strong> therefore potential total gas content)<br />

increases with rank <strong>of</strong> the coal <strong>and</strong> with depth.<br />

Permeability <strong>of</strong> coal decreases with depth.<br />

Within Western Australia, there does appear to be<br />

some potential for coal seam methane production,<br />

generally confined to the southwestern portion <strong>of</strong><br />

the State in the northern <strong>and</strong> southern Perth Basin.<br />

The subsurface extents <strong>of</strong> the Lower Permian Irwin<br />

River <strong>and</strong> Sue Coal Measures <strong>and</strong> the Lower<br />

Jurassic Cattamarra Coal Measures, where the coal<br />

seams lie between 300 <strong>and</strong> 1200 m are the areas<br />

that at this stage <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Department</strong>’s CSM<br />

prospectivity study appear to show the most<br />

potential. DoIR


International Risk Consultancy<br />

It was the hot summer <strong>of</strong> 1997. Air-conditioning<br />

systems crashed <strong>and</strong> burned without warning <strong>and</strong><br />

the sweat dripped <strong>of</strong>f the goannas that basked in<br />

the midday sun. Inside a Perth suburban house,<br />

three dedicated engineers were faced with a<br />

difficult decision. To cave in to temptation <strong>and</strong> head<br />

to the beach, or to start a risk management<br />

consultancy?<br />

As Morris Burch, Managing Director <strong>and</strong> founder <strong>of</strong><br />

IRC explains, they chose the latter, <strong>and</strong> the decision<br />

was nothing more than a calculated risk.<br />

“We went forward with blind faith, optimism <strong>and</strong><br />

naivety,” he said.<br />

It was almost exactly opposite to the philosophy <strong>of</strong><br />

risk management for which IRC is now<br />

internationally renowned, but an optimism that<br />

appears to have worked. The consultancy now<br />

employs 70 full time staff, runs five business units,<br />

has an established <strong>of</strong>fice in Houston, Texas <strong>and</strong> is<br />

currently launching an Aberdeen <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />

Morris attributes IRC’s success to three competitive<br />

“obsessions” – people, innovation <strong>and</strong> quality. He<br />

believes that it takes exceptional individuals to drive<br />

an exceptional business. So the focus is on<br />

acquiring, retaining, <strong>and</strong> developing talent.<br />

Recruitment has attracted c<strong>and</strong>idates from UK,<br />

Europe, North America <strong>and</strong> the Asia-Pacific regions,<br />

as well as Australia. He describes the organisation<br />

as young, energetic <strong>and</strong> enthusiastic consultants<br />

supported by principals with substantial experience.<br />

“It’s the best bunch <strong>of</strong> people I have ever worked<br />

with,” he said.<br />

While he sees being part <strong>of</strong> a world-leading<br />

organisation as an objective for some members <strong>of</strong><br />

his team, he underst<strong>and</strong>s that personal career<br />

development <strong>and</strong> training may be more <strong>of</strong> a priority<br />

for them. What is clear, he says, is that highly skilled<br />

people want to work together with others <strong>of</strong> similar<br />

talent, in an environment where their skills interlink.<br />

Each <strong>of</strong> IRC’s five business units: Safety <strong>and</strong> Risk,<br />

Environment, Asset Optimisation, People <strong>and</strong><br />

Information <strong>of</strong>fers services directed at assisting<br />

energy organisations to set new benchmarks in their<br />

health, safety <strong>and</strong> environmental performance, while<br />

maximising the value <strong>of</strong> their assets. IRC has<br />

tailored its services so that it is single point <strong>of</strong><br />

contact for a HSE department within any<br />

organisation.<br />

“We assist all <strong>of</strong> our clients in developing, <strong>and</strong><br />

retaining ownership <strong>of</strong>, their risk management<br />

process,” said Morris.<br />

The Safety <strong>and</strong> Risk group carries out studies from<br />

the provision <strong>of</strong> ad-hoc safety advice to the<br />

complete management <strong>of</strong> safety <strong>and</strong> risk on major<br />

projects. The Environment group specialises in<br />

environmental management <strong>and</strong> monitoring<br />

services. The Asset Optimisation group undertakes<br />

studies in system availability, reliability <strong>and</strong><br />

maintainability, <strong>and</strong> performance optimisation. IRC<br />

also provides programmes focussed on optimising<br />

the performance <strong>of</strong> an organisation’s workforce<br />

through its People group, whose services are<br />

designed to promote corporate health <strong>and</strong><br />

organisational culture.<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> ongoing change management, IRC<br />

encourages all groups to participate in improving<br />

services. ‘Innovation meetings’ are regularly held<br />

within business units to harvest ideas <strong>and</strong> concepts,<br />

to arrive at a better risk management service. Such<br />

an initiative is rare in consulting, particularly where<br />

there is <strong>of</strong>ten emphasis on time <strong>and</strong> budget<br />

constraints.<br />

PWA April Edition - Company Focus<br />

Grant O’Connell,<br />

IRC<br />

The Information Technology group provide the tools<br />

<strong>and</strong> thinking required to automate aspects <strong>of</strong> IRC’s<br />

services <strong>and</strong> provide innovative risk management<br />

solutions. Recently IRC has developed two new <strong>and</strong><br />

exciting ‘<strong>of</strong>f-the-shelf’ s<strong>of</strong>tware packages for risk<br />

management – RiskNet <strong>and</strong> Optimize.<br />

RiskNet is an online risk management system. Its<br />

strength as an action tracking <strong>and</strong> close-out tool<br />

makes it ideal for monitoring hazards, risks, <strong>and</strong><br />

incidents arising from an organisation’s day-to-day<br />

operations, as well as larger projects. It represents a<br />

streamlined, easy to use <strong>and</strong> inexpensive way <strong>of</strong><br />

managing HSE processes.<br />

RiskNet is designed for deployment across multiple<br />

sites, promoting the sharing <strong>of</strong> knowledge <strong>and</strong><br />

information across the enterprise. It is also targeted<br />

at those organisations that require a practical,<br />

keenly priced solution.<br />

RiskNet is a new product, but already customer<br />

feedback has been excellent. IRC has endeavoured<br />

to keep the system interface easy to use as we<br />

consider this vital for effective user-take up. The<br />

system’s flexibility means that we can align<br />

processes <strong>and</strong> naming conventions to our clients<br />

requirements, which also facilitates user adoption<br />

<strong>and</strong> eases implementation.<br />

The s<strong>of</strong>tware is modular. Functionality includes:<br />

37<br />

• action tracking;<br />

• incident reporting <strong>and</strong> investigations;<br />

• hazard/risk registers, with safeguards <strong>and</strong> risk<br />

ranking;<br />

• process mapping;<br />

• key performance indicators (KPI) <strong>and</strong> legislative<br />

reporting <strong>and</strong> analysis;<br />

• audit <strong>and</strong> inspections (particularly Behavioural<br />

Based Safety);<br />

• emergency response;


38<br />

PWA April Edition - Company Focus<br />

• safety <strong>and</strong> environmental information<br />

management; <strong>and</strong><br />

• workers’ compensation.<br />

Optimize was developed to carry out reliability,<br />

availability <strong>and</strong> maintainability (RAM) analysis. The<br />

s<strong>of</strong>tware was developed by IRC engineers who<br />

required a more powerful modelling tool for their<br />

calculations than was available on the market. The<br />

solution – develop their own.<br />

While lowest cost is seen as being an important<br />

dimension in remaining competitive in the<br />

consulting market, Morris also cites quality <strong>of</strong><br />

product as an equally important aspect.<br />

“The emphasis continues to be on producing<br />

outputs <strong>of</strong> the highest technical quality.”<br />

Establishing an <strong>of</strong>fice in Houston was a recent<br />

challenge to IRC, <strong>and</strong> an interesting learning<br />

experience. Citing new opportunities <strong>and</strong> growth as<br />

their reasons for choice <strong>of</strong> location, the initial stages<br />

<strong>of</strong> the set up were difficult but rewarding. They<br />

intend to apply the model to establishing other<br />

overseas locations to serve the energy industry’s<br />

risk management requirements.<br />

Their commitment to the Australian market,<br />

however, continues to remain a priority. While giving<br />

IRC staff opportunities to gain overseas work<br />

experience, Morris recognises that returning to<br />

Australia is just a fact <strong>of</strong> life for Australians.<br />

“There is no beach in Houston,” he said. DoIR<br />

(Image courtesy <strong>of</strong> Woodside)


Table 1. Reserves as at 31 December 2003 - Developed Fields<br />

FIELD TENEMENT Oil 90% Oil 50% Cond. 90% Cond. 50% Gas 90% Gas 50%<br />

GL GL GL GL Gm 3 Gm 3<br />

Agincourt TL/1 0.131 0.154 0.001 0.001 0.006 0.007<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> L1H 3.580 5.800 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000<br />

Beharra Springs L11 0.000 0.000


Category 2: Expected Medium to Long Term Development<br />

FIELD Oil 90% Oil 50% Cond. 90% Cond. 50% Gas 90% Gas 50%<br />

GL GL GL GL Gm 3 Gm 3<br />

Dockrell WA-5-L 0.000 0.000 1.200 2.500 8.880 17.160<br />

Gaea WA-1-L 0.000 0.000 0.300 0.500 1.950 3.680<br />

Goodwyn S/Pueblo WA-5-L 0.100 0.400 0.000 0.000 2.640 8.200<br />

Keast WA-6-L 0.000 0.000 0.700 1.600 5.420 9.940<br />

Lambert Deep WA-16-L 0.000 0.000 0.200 0.400 5.660 7.360<br />

Saffron WA-1-P 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.460 0.570<br />

Tidepole WA-5-L 0.400 1.500 1.000 2.500 6.230 14.720<br />

Vincent WA-271-P 8.400 11.400 0.000 0.000 0.510 0.560<br />

Total 8.900 13.300 3.400 7.500 31.750 62.190<br />

Category 3: Not currently viable; Held under Retention Lease<br />

FIELD Oil 90% Oil 50% Cond. 90% Cond. 50% Gas 90% Gas 50%<br />

GL GL GL GL Gm3 Gm3 Brecknock WA-33-P 0.000 0.000 8.270 16.380 104.770 150.080<br />

Brecknock South WA-33-P 0.000 0.000 9.500 13.800 79.010 112.410<br />

Blencathra TP/6 0.390 0.640 0.000 0.000 0.020 0.030<br />

Capella WA-28-P 0.000 0.000 0.800 2.100 5.920 15.830<br />

Chrysaor/Dionysus WA-15-R 0.000 0.000 5.405 6.287 94.860 112.940<br />

Dixon/W.Dixon WA-9-R 2.900 4.100 0.900 1.300 3.140 4.350<br />

Egret WA-10-R 0.700 1.800 0.000 0.000 0.140 0.390<br />

Flinders Shoal TR/1 0.060 0.290 0.000 0.000 0.430 0.740<br />

Geryon WA-267-P 0.000 0.000 10.720 13.800 73.000 94.000<br />

Gorgon WA-2-R 0.000 0.000 17.011 20.986 436.500 520.430<br />

Iago WA-25-P 0.000 0.000 1.208 2.512 17.518 27.667<br />

Io/Eurythion WA-267-P 0.000 0.000 3.150 4.920 105.160 164.860<br />

Io South WA-267-P 0.000 0.000 0.660 0.990 21.890 33.900<br />

Jansz WA-18-R 0.000 0.000 4.680 13.170 156.309 439.479<br />

Macedon WA-12-R 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 10.000 18.000<br />

Orthrus/Meanad WA-267-P 0.000 0.000 2.210 4.960 15.000 33.950<br />

Petrel WA-6-R 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000<br />

Prometheus/Rubicon WA-278-P 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 6.909 10.449<br />

Pyrenees WA-12-R 0.100 0.600 0.000 0.000 0.200 1.100<br />

Rankin/Sculptor WA-11-R 0.000 0.000 0.200 2.200 0.850 11.040<br />

Scarborough WA-1-R 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 133.000 170.000<br />

Scott Reef WA-33-P 0.000 0.000 10.020 19.240 172.730 325.640<br />

Spar WA-4-R 0.000 0.000 0.588 1.844 1.690 9.910<br />

Tern WA-18-P 0.000 0.000 0.355 0.899 9.910 11.761<br />

Turtle WA-13-R 0.830 1.230 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000<br />

Urania WA-267-P 0.000 0.000 1.006 1.240 6.136 7.544<br />

West Tryal Rocks WA-5-R 0.000 0.000 8.426 11.447 68.800 99.476<br />

Wilcox WA-7-R 0.000 0.000 2.400 3.200 7.000 9.690<br />

Total 4.980 8.660 87.509 141.275 1530.892 2385.666<br />

Gr<strong>and</strong> Total 84.010 136.032 181.172 280.403 2239.551 3344.934<br />

PWA April Edition - Reserves Tables 40<br />

Table 3. Unbooked Resources as at 31 December 2003<br />

Field Oil in place Cond in place Gas in place<br />

GL GL Gm 3<br />

Baker TL/1 1.860 0.000 0.000<br />

Cadell TP/7 0.000 0.030 1.440<br />

Chamois WA-265-P 0.650 0.000 0.000<br />

Crosby WA-12-R 19.200 0.000 0.100<br />

Eaglehawk WA-28-P 0.160 0.000 0.000<br />

Gwydion WA-239-P 0.950 0.000 0.000<br />

Ishmael WA-1-L 0.000 0.620 2.260<br />

Jingamia EP413 1.110 0.000 0.000<br />

Josephine TL/1 0.000 0.000 0.060<br />

Leatherback EP342 0.330 0.000 0.000<br />

Maitl<strong>and</strong> WA-149-P 0.000 0.000 5.000<br />

Mardie EP137 0.000 0.000 17.710<br />

Montague WA-10-R 0.000 0.400 2.790<br />

Nimrod WA-155-P 0.000 0.000 0.765<br />

Oryx WA-209-P 5.040 0.000 0.000<br />

Outtrim WA-155-P 1.900 0.000 0.300<br />

Point Torment EP104 0.000 0.000 0.250<br />

Ravensworth WA-155-P 17.500 0.000 0.300<br />

Scafell WA-155-P 0.000 0.000 7.079<br />

Skiddaw WA-155-P 1.600 0.000 0.000<br />

South Chervil TL/2 0.770 0.000 0.510<br />

Stybarrow WA-255-P 17.800 0.000 0.000<br />

Tusk WA-249-P 3.700 0.000 0.000<br />

Ulidia TL/1 0.000 0.000 0.406<br />

Whicher Range EP 408 0.000 0.000 45.000<br />

Total 72.570 1.050 83.970<br />

Table 4. Cumulative Production to 2003<br />

Field Oil kL Gas km3 Condensate kL<br />

Agincourt 505,504 25,273 3,816<br />

Alkimos 4,923 157,757 24,770<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> 47,670,583 4,943,353 0<br />

Beharra Springs 0 2,057,738 22,128<br />

Beharra Springs N 0 106,414 1,106<br />

Blina 288,459 0 0<br />

Boundary 19,466 0 0<br />

Buffalo 3,097,380 70,851 0<br />

Campbell 3,887 2,366,777 293,718<br />

Chervil 764,676 191,903 0<br />

Chinook/Scindian 4,019,514 1,201,572 0<br />

Cossack 9,591,640 300,192 0<br />

Cowle 501,609 74,701 1,748<br />

Crest 267,158 41,891 108<br />

Dongara 185,799 12,503,366 47,997<br />

Double Isl<strong>and</strong> 350,203 17,626 1,966<br />

East Spar 0 5,789,385 1,984,785<br />

Echo/Yodel 0 5,074,920 3,750,276<br />

Endymion 0 231,426 34,965<br />

Gibson 27,291 2,063 61


Gingin 0 48,545 3,169<br />

Gipsy 315,750 66,375 2,307<br />

Goodwyn 0 77,920,819 32,894,563<br />

Griffin 20,144,294 1,682,015 0<br />

Harriet 8,015,894 1,440,409 59,500<br />

Hermes 4,547,960 311,502 0<br />

Hoover 31,786 2,040 205<br />

Hovea 272,603 16,636 0<br />

Jingemia 29,189 1,039 0<br />

Lambert 2,028,159 107,214 0<br />

Laminaria East 1,333,902 17,214 69,697<br />

Legendre North 3,766,933 733,005 0<br />

Legendre South 662,456 153,218 0<br />

Little S<strong>and</strong>y 54,559 3,024 362<br />

Lloyd 29,351 0 0<br />

Mondarra 0 667,563 9,184<br />

Mount Horner 284,130 0 0<br />

North Gipsy 104,452 78,733 5,658<br />

North Herald 653,189 77,521 0<br />

North Pedirka 10,590 595 58<br />

North Rankin 0 167,644,334 21,912,878<br />

North Yardanogo 295 0 0<br />

Pedirka 187,443 7,385 841<br />

Perseus 0 35,476,687 7,008,881<br />

Roller 6,592,628 632,748 0<br />

Rosette 1,100 309,723 44,735<br />

Rough Range 9,390 0 0<br />

Saladin 14,835,099 1,565,741 0<br />

Simpson 701,946 43,955 5,133<br />

Sinbad 0 1,992,519 230,964<br />

Skate 266,884 81,246 11,106<br />

South Pepper 2,634,632 692,860 0<br />

South Plato 410,218 20,810 552<br />

Stag 5,134,986 270,557 0<br />

Sundown 63,657 0 0<br />

Talisman 1,229,512 12,897 0<br />

Tanami 460,124 82,662 12,885<br />

Tubridgi 0 1,938,808 951<br />

Victoria 35,825 2,807 329<br />

Walyering 0 7,377 237<br />

Wanaea 24,335,720 5,172,696 0<br />

W<strong>and</strong>oo 9,630,694 658,807 0<br />

West Kora 3,659 0 0<br />

West Terrace 33,060 0 0<br />

Wonnich 0 1,809,400 199,431<br />

Woodada 0 1,374,281 10,001<br />

Woollybutt 1,170,138 34,400 0<br />

Yammaderry 849,601 94,525 0<br />

Yardarino 1,567 143,390 771<br />

Total 178,171,467 338,555,290 68,651,846<br />

Table 5. Production by Field to 2003<br />

Field Oil kL Gas km 3 Condensate kL<br />

Agincourt 18,846 2,753 228<br />

Barrow Isl<strong>and</strong> 525,710 59,569 0<br />

Beharra Springs 0 40,965 379<br />

PWA April Edition - Production Table 41<br />

Beharra Springs N 0 67,323 623<br />

Blina 1,953 0 0<br />

Boundary 426 0 0<br />

Buffalo 363,950 11,335 0<br />

Campbell 3,887 138,012 18,937<br />

Chinook/Scindian 452,889 246,870 0<br />

Cossack 821,100 25,227 0<br />

Cowle 8,556 649 0<br />

Crest 4,373 6,265 0<br />

Dongara 471 31,790 235<br />

Double Isl<strong>and</strong> 350,203 17,626 1,966<br />

East Spar 0 984,967 303,544<br />

Echo/Yodel 0 2,436,480 1,758,320<br />

Endymion 0 210,341 31,641<br />

Gibson 464 553 22<br />

Gipsy 25,138 3,246 3<br />

Goodwyn 0 9,659,360 2,467,570<br />

Griffin 579,575 44,151 0<br />

Harriet 62,448 10,714 7<br />

Hermes 807,950 51,387 0<br />

Hoover 31,786 2,040 205<br />

Hovea 244,710 15,060 0<br />

Jingemia 29,189 1,039 0<br />

Lambert 429,020 21,422 0<br />

Laminaria East 107,686 2,289 19,164<br />

Legendre North 1,566,265 288,088 0<br />

Legendre South 31,716 34,358 0<br />

Little S<strong>and</strong>y 42,859 2,414 286<br />

Lloyd 319 0 0<br />

Mount Horner 4,506 0 0<br />

North Pedirka 10,590 595 58<br />

North Rankin 0 3,793,810 429,200<br />

Pedirka 155,461 6,305 713<br />

Perseus 0 7,367,670 1,507,790<br />

Roller 168,157 25,032 0<br />

Saladin 129,222 22,066 0<br />

Simpson 109,324 16,201 1,846<br />

Skate 0 1,521 2,233<br />

South Plato 258,479 13,923 370<br />

Stag 699,572 28,850 0<br />

Sundown 347 0 0<br />

Tanami 36,602 5,377 563<br />

Tubridgi 0 80,590 0<br />

Victoria 24,220 1,774 203<br />

Wanaea 4,187,670 902,020 0<br />

W<strong>and</strong>oo 582,640 96,952 0<br />

West Terrace 1,823 0 0<br />

Wonnich 0 576,391 60,192<br />

Woodada 0 43,884 193<br />

Woollybutt 1,170,138 34,400 0<br />

Yammaderry 4,698 1,169 0<br />

Yardarino 0 833 0<br />

Total 14,054,939 27,435,652 6,606,492


Table 6. Seismic Surveys in Western Australia 2003 Calendar Year<br />

2D (line km) 3D (km2 )<br />

Bonaparte Basin Onshore 0 0<br />

Offshore 668 0<br />

Browse Basin Onshore 0 0<br />

Offshore 1044 510<br />

Carnarvon Basin Onshore 0 0<br />

Offshore 6191 3761<br />

Perth Basin Onshore 6 0<br />

Offshore 8991 551<br />

Sub Total Onshore 6 0<br />

Offshore 16914 4822<br />

Total 116920 4822<br />

Table 7. <strong>Petroleum</strong> Wells in Western Australia 2002/03 Fiscal Year<br />

The below table lists the number <strong>of</strong> wells spudded <strong>and</strong> metres drilled (subsurface) during the 2003 calendar year. For wells spudded before 1.1.2003 only metres drilled during calendar year are included.<br />

➢<br />

The above table lists the quantity <strong>of</strong><br />

2D seismic (line km) <strong>and</strong> 3D seismic (sq km) acquired during the<br />

calendar year. For survey that commenced before 1.1.2003 only<br />

acquisition after this date is included.<br />

Non-seismic surveys for the year include:<br />

43214 km Aeromagnetic<br />

2991 Gravity stations <strong>and</strong><br />

17 Magnetotelluric stations<br />

The attached listing <strong>of</strong> surveys operating in the calendar year<br />

includes all data gathered prior to 31.12.2003<br />

PWA April Edition - Surveys <strong>and</strong> Wells 42<br />

NFW EXT DEV Sub Total Total<br />

Wells Metres Wells Metres Wells Metres Wells Metres Wells Metres<br />

Bonaparte Basin Onshore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1709<br />

Offshore 1 1709 0 0 0 0 1 1709<br />

Browse Basin Onshore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 20614<br />

Offshore 4 15455 1 5159 0 0 5 20614<br />

Canning Basin Onshore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0<br />

Offshore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0<br />

Carnarvon Basin Onshore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 53 118644<br />

Offshore 31 66139 (a) 14 31609 8 20896 53 118644<br />

Perth Basin Onshore 3 7541 4 11741 (b) 6 (c) 12809 13 32091 18 39930<br />

Offshore 3 4694 2 3145 0 0 5 7839<br />

Sub Total Onshore 3 7541 4 11741 6 12809 13 32091 77 180897<br />

Offshore 39 87997 17 39913 8 20896 64 148806<br />

Total 42 95538 21 51654 14 33705 77 180897<br />

(a) Includes Dawn 1 <strong>and</strong> Wigmore 1 spudded 2002. (b) Includes Hovea 4/ 4ST 1 Spudded 2002. (c) Includes Hovea 10 Water Injection Well.


KEY: Classification 2D: 2D Reflection, 3D: 3D Reflection, MT: Magnetotelluric<br />

Table 8. Seismic Surveys in Western Australia Operating 2003 Calendar Year<br />

PWA April Edition - Seismic Surveys 43<br />

Survey Name Class On Off Title Operator Commenced Completed 2D Line km @ 3D Sq km @ Aeromag Line km MT/ Gravity<br />

31/12/2003 31/12/2003 @ 31/12/2003 Stations<br />

Bonaparte Basin<br />

Seahorse 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-18-L, WA-21-L Woodside 6-May-03 18-May-03 668<br />

Browse Basin<br />

Floreana 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-306-P Magellan 24-Apr-03 6-May-03 532<br />

Plazas 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-307-P Magellan 24-Apr-03 6-May-03 512<br />

HBR03A M.S.S. 3D Off WA-303-P BHP Billiton 31-May-03 13-Jun-03 510<br />

Canning Basin<br />

SPA 2/02-3 MT On SPA 2/02-3 AO Kingsway 23-Aug-03 26-Aug-03 17<br />

Carnarvon Basin<br />

Champagne 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-268-P Chevron Texaco 27-Mar-03 22-Apr-03 2546<br />

Chimaera 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-335-P Apache 19-May-03 1-Jun-03 1259<br />

Klammer 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-320-P OMV 11-Mar-03 17-Mar-03 765<br />

Munmorah 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-308-P, WA-309-P OMV 13-Apr-03 24-Apr-03 838<br />

Posiedon 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-2-R R2 Chevron Texaco 18-Feb-03 20-Mar-03 58<br />

Wheatstone 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-253-P R1 Chevron Texaco 20-Mar-03 27-Mar-03 725<br />

Demeter 3D M.S.S. 3D Off WA-1-P R6, WA-17-L, Woodside 10-Apr-03 3114<br />

WA-191-P R3, WA-208-P R2,<br />

WA-248-P R1,<br />

WA-28-P R6, WA-330-P<br />

Viper 3D M.S.S. 3D Off WA-335-P Apache 15-Apr-03 27-Apr-03 647<br />

Perth Basin<br />

Fulfillment 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-336-P Petroz 17-Jan-03 8-Mar-03 2005<br />

Jovian 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-337-P Kerr-McGee 21-Nov-03 1-Dec-03 1368<br />

Lilian TP/15 2D M.S.S. 2D Off TP/15 Strike Oil 2-Nov-03 11-Nov-03 85<br />

Lilian WA-286-P 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-286-P ROC Oil 2-Nov-03 11-Nov-03 644<br />

Mary Ann 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-325-P ROC Oil 11-Nov-03 17-Nov-03 825<br />

Moon Part 1 <strong>and</strong> 2 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-326-P AGIP 29-Nov-02 16-Feb-03 4794<br />

Ramsgate 2D M.S.S. 2D Off WA-339-P Santos 2-Dec-03 18-Dec-03 1570<br />

Wildwood S.S. 2D On SPA 1/01-2 Red Mt Energy 29-Sep-02 10-Mar-03 6<br />

Cliff Head WA-286-P 3D M.S.S. 3D Off WA-286-P ROC Oil 23-Oct-03 1-Nov-03 30<br />

Macallan 3D M.S.S. 3D Off WA-226-P R2 Apache 2-May-03 24-May-03 521<br />

Perth Basin<br />

East Abrolhos Aeromagnetic Survey AEROMAG Off WA-325-P ROC Oil 31-Aug-03 5-Oct-03 31338<br />

Offshore Dongara Aeromagnetic Survey TP/15 AEROMAG Off TP/15 ROC Oil 31-Aug-03 18-Sep-03 4368<br />

Offshore Dongara Aeromagnetic Survey WA-286-P AEROMAG Off WA-286-P ROC Oil 1-Sep-03 18-Sep-03 7508<br />

Denison Gravity Survey GRAVITY On L 1 R1 Arc 26-Jul-03 1-Sep-03 2441<br />

Denison Gravity Survey 413 GRAVITY On EP 413 R1 Origin 24-Aug-03 7-Sep-03 550


Table 9. <strong>Petroleum</strong> Wells in Western Australia Operating 2003 Calendar Year<br />

PWA April Edition - <strong>Petroleum</strong> Wells 44<br />

Well Name Class On / Off Tenament Operator Lattitude Longitude Gnd Elev RT KB Spud Date TD Date Rig Rel Depth @ Metres Status @<br />

Date 30 June Drilled 30 June<br />

2003 Subsurf 2003<br />

Bonaparte Basin<br />

Weasel 1 NFW OFF WA-279-P Woodside 14 13 21.48 128 28 44.54 38 29 9-Mar-03 16-Mar-03 20-Mar-03 1776 1709 P&A<br />

Browse Basin<br />

Ichthys 2/ 2A/ 2A ST1 EXT OFF WA-285-P <strong>IN</strong>PEX Browse 13 54 0.60 123 9 28.18 268 25 29-Nov-03 4006 5159 DRILL<strong>IN</strong>G<br />

Ichthys 1/ 1A NFW OFF WA-285-P <strong>IN</strong>PEX Browse 13 56 45.30 123 11 29.11 274 25 19-Jun-03 5-Sep-03 7-Oct-03 4826 6664 P&A GS<br />

Ichthys Deep 1 NFW OFF WA-285-P <strong>IN</strong>PEX Browse 13 52 3.23 123 13 27.15 285 25 8-Oct-03 21-Nov-03 27-Nov-03 4956 4646 P&A GS<br />

Maginnis 1/ 1A/ 1A<br />

ST1/ 1A ST2 NFW OFF WA-302-P BHP Billiton 13 42 20.31 121 43 56.28 1304 26 24-Jan-03 31-Mar-03 4-Apr-03 4643 3497 P&A<br />

Strumbo 1 NFW OFF WA-288-P Magellan 13 13 40.94 125 29 52.13 59 22 24-Jan-03 30-Jan-03 1-Feb-03 728 648 P&A<br />

Carnarvon Basin<br />

Gibson 2H/ 2H BHC1 DEV OFF TL/6 Apache 20 41 57.45 115 33 51.82 8 30 16-Feb-03 18-Feb-03 25-Feb-03 2543 1583 O<br />

Gipsy 4 DEV OFF TL/1 Apache 20 38 6.97 115 43 43.49 30 33 20-Oct-03 24-Oct-03 9-Nov-03 3911 3848 O<br />

Hoover 2 DEV OFF TL/6 Apache 20 44 22.43 115 34 18.23 7 32 11-Aug-03 23-Aug-03 29-Aug-03 3604 3565 O<br />

Legendre North 4H/<br />

4H ST1/ 4H ST2 DEV OFF WA-20-L Woodside 19 42 14.20 116 42 31.45 52 44 5-May-03 2-Jun-03 5-Jun-03 3112 3802 O<br />

Simpson 7 DEV OFF TL/1 Apache 20 40 20.03 115 35 7.94 8 28 28-Feb-03 8-Mar-03 17-Mar-03 2064 2029 O<br />

South Plato 3/ 3H DEV OFF TL/6 Apache 20 41 57.62 115 33 51.96 8 30 31-Jan-03 4-Feb-03 25-Feb-03 2356 2962 O<br />

Stag 25H DEV OFF WA-15-L Apache 20 17 23.91 116 16 31.06 49 53 26-Jun-03 28-Jun-03 1-Jul-03 1285 905 O<br />

West Simpson 1 DEV OFF TL/1 Apache 20 40 24.69 115 35 7.90 8 28 27-Feb-03 11-Mar-03 17-Mar-03 2237 2202 O<br />

Campbell 6 EXT OFF TL/5 Apache 20 24 50.85 115 43 49.08 40 41 3-Sep-03 10-Sep-03 15-Sep-03 3232 3152 P&A GS<br />

Campbell 7 EXT OFF TL/5 Apache 20 24 50.85 115 43 49.08 40 41 11-Sep-03 13-Sep-03 15-Sep-03 2385 1080 P&A GS<br />

East Spar 6/ 6 ST1 EXT OFF WA-13-L Apache 20 43 49.35 114 59 23.94 95 26 29-Jul-03 6-Sep-03 19-Sep-03 3150 3762 G<br />

Egret 3 EXT OFF WA-10-R R1 Woodside 19 29 54.00 116 21 27.65 119 26 27-Mar-03 20-May-03 29-May-03 4881 4736 P&A OGS<br />

Gipsy 3 EXT OFF TL/1 Apache 20 39 4.04 115 43 19.05 28 32 3-Aug-03 9-Aug-03 14-Aug-03 2483 2423 P&A OGS<br />

Jansz 3 EXT OFF WA-18-R Mobil Australia 19 49 12.66 114 34 39.03 1340 25 4-Jun-03 16-Jun-03 10-Jul-03 2966 1601 P&A G<br />

Simpson 6 EXT OFF TL/1 Apache 20 40 24.14 115 35 5.61 8 29 4-Dec-03 5-Dec-03 10-Dec-03 2681 1328 O<br />

Simpson 8/ 8 BHC1 EXT OFF TL/1 Apache 20 40 24.14 115 35 5.61 8 28 29-Nov-03 1-Dec-03 10-Dec-03 2080 964 P&A OS<br />

Skiddaw 2 EXT OFF WA-255-P R1 BHP Billiton 21 28 49.62 113 52 18.85 769 22 21-May-03 26-May-03 4-Jun-03 2248 1457 P&A OGS<br />

South Simpson 2 EXT OFF TL/1 Apache 20 40 24.44 115 35 5.79 9 29 16-Nov-03 18-Nov-03 10-Dec-03 3231 1710 O<br />

Stybarrow 2 EXT OFF WA-255-P R1 BHP Billiton 21 29 33.03 113 51 19.99 873 22 6-Jun-03 16-Jun-03 23-Jun-03 2380 1485 P&A OS<br />

Tanami 7 EXT OFF TL/1 Apache 20 40 24.14 115 35 5.61 8 29 3-Dec-03 4-Dec-03 10-Dec-03 2739 2702 P&A<br />

Taunton 3/ 3 L1 EXT OFF TL/2 Apache 21 19 8.17 115 6 51.02 15 32 16-Aug-03 20-Aug-03 24-Aug-03 1433 2320 P&A OS<br />

Thomas Bright 2 EXT OFF WA-214-P R2 Apache 20 27 14.66 115 4 11.62 82 32 12-Dec-03 19-Dec-03 26-Dec-03 3003 2889 P&A GS<br />

Ajax 1/ 1 ST1 NFW OFF WA-1-P R6 Woodside 19 37 -0.19 116 41 58.85 55 32 28-Dec-03 684 561 DRILL<strong>IN</strong>G<br />

B<strong>and</strong>era 1 NFW OFF WA-256-P R1 Apache 20 21 59.33 115 50 4.05 47 32 8-Jan-03 11-Jan-03 13-Jan-03 2187 2108 P&A<br />

Banjo 1 NFW OFF EP 397 Tap Oil 21 3 35.71 115 33 55.71 12 35 30-Mar-03 2-Apr-03 9-Apr-03 971 923 P&A<br />

Bob 1 NFW OFF EP 363 R2 Apache 20 43 3.65 115 40 35.12 24 32 14-Jan-03 25-Jan-03 29-Jan-03 3140 3085 P&A GS<br />

Carteret 1 NFW OFF WA-4-L R1 Woodside 19 20 1.04 116 32 56.07 145 26 26-Jun-03 6-Jul-03 13-Jul-03 3515 3344 P&A<br />

Cerberus 1 NFW OFF WA-202-P R2 Apache 19 47 54.42 116 45 50.59 73 33 25-Sep-03 30-Sep-03 3-Oct-03 2182 2076 P&A<br />

Chiru 1 NFW OFF WA-209-P R2 Apache 20 10 6.11 116 17 32.50 56 32 23-Jul-03 31-Jul-03 2-Aug-03 1779 1691 P&A<br />

Crackling South 1 NFW OFF EP 341 R2 Tap Oil 21 12 25.92 115 33 7.76 14 32 27-Mar-03 28-Mar-03 30-Mar-03 503 457 P&A OGS<br />

Crosby 1 NFW OFF WA-12-R BHP Billiton 21 31 46.95 114 6 8.23 197 26 3-Oct-03 6-Oct-03 10-Oct-03 1226 1003 P&A OS<br />

Cyrano 1 NFW OFF EP 364 R1 Tap Oil 21 12 34.15 115 17 9.43 16 31 21-Mar-03 23-Mar-03 25-Mar-03 769 722 P&A OGS<br />

Dawn 1 NFW OFF TL/1 Apache 20 31 15.61 115 43 22.77 39 31 20-Dec-02 1-Jan-03 7-Jan-03 2711 2641 P&A GS<br />

Eskdale 1 NFW OFF WA-255-P R1 BHP Billiton 21 21 49.01 113 49 36.57 798 22 14-Mar-03 30-Mar-03 13-Apr-03 3127 2307 P&A OS


PWA April Edition - <strong>Petroleum</strong> Wells 45<br />

Felicia 1 NFW OFF TL/1 Apache 20 43 1.36 115 35 26.00 8 26 4-Aug-03 7-Aug-03 10-Aug-03 1877 1843 P&A<br />

Ginger 1/ 1 CH1 NFW OFF TL/1 Apache 20 40 17.73 115 39 7.80 26 32 20-Jul-03 26-Jul-03 3-Aug-03 2497 2564 P&A GS<br />

Carnarvon Basin<br />

Guilford 1 NFW OFF WA-269-P Woodside 19 39 11.07 115 15 21.47 1032 22 17-Apr-03 27-Apr-03 5-May-03 4272 3218 P&A<br />

Herdsman 1 NFW OFF WA-299-P Shell 22 52 15.67 113 17 30.49 553 22 29-Jan-03 3-Feb-03 8-Feb-03 2010 1435 P&A<br />

Hyssop 1 NFW OFF TP/7 R2 Santos 21 13 58.98 115 26 30.41 12 32 25-Aug-03 27-Aug-03 28-Aug-03 756 712 P&A<br />

Karangi 1 NFW OFF TP/8 R2 Apache 20 39 17.35 115 25 38.61 11 32 16-Sep-03 21-Sep-03 24-Sep-03 2463 2420 P&A<br />

Kilauea 1 NFW OFF WA-257-P Apache 20 14 5.74 115 57 22.50 53 32 3-Jul-03 14-Jul-03 18-Jul-03 3426 3341 P&A GS<br />

Montgomery 1 NFW OFF WA-149-P R3 Apache 20 31 17.62 115 15 7.19 58 32 1-Apr-03 16-Apr-03 24-Apr-03 2965 2875 P&A GS<br />

Mosman 1 NFW OFF TL/2 Apache 21 7 29.37 115 14 37.88 19 32 29-Aug-03 9-Mar-03 13-Sep-03 2705 2654 P&A OS<br />

Nickol 1 NFW OFF WA-1-P R6 Woodside 19 53 47.98 116 27 19.87 67 30 7-Jun-03 12-Jun-03 17-Jun-03 2690 2592 P&A OS<br />

North Pedirka 1 NFW OFF TL/6 Apache 20 44 22.16 115 34 18.26 7 32 13-Aug-03 17-Aug-03 1-Sep-03 2927 2888 O<br />

Ravensworth 1/ 1CH NFW OFF WA-155-P R3 BHP Billiton 21 31 39.10 114 5 1.79 205 26 15-Jul-03 20-Jul-03 27-Jul-03 1432 1345 P&A OGS<br />

Skiddaw 1 NFW OFF WA-255-P R1 BHP Billiton 21 28 49.62 113 52 18.85 769 22 8-May-03 14-May-03 4-Jun-03 2192 1401 P&A OS<br />

Stybarrow 1/ 1 CH1 NFW OFF WA-255-P R1 BHP Billiton 21 28 40.15 113 50 3.55 825 22 12-Feb-03 20-Feb-03 11-Mar-03 2477 1861 P&A OS<br />

Thomas Bright 1 NFW OFF WA-214-P R2 Apache 20 27 2.96 115 5 57.81 75 32 21-Mar-03 27-Mar-03 31-Mar-03 3044 2937 P&A GS<br />

Tigger 1 NFW OFF WA-248-P R1 Woodside 19 20 55.15 116 23 54.24 142 26 30-May-03 21-Jun-03 29-Jun-03 3650 3482 P&A<br />

Toobada 1 NFW OFF WA-192-P R3 Tap Oil 20 21 14.07 115 24 58.49 35 32 19-Sep-03 26-Sep-03 1-Oct-03 3120 3053 P&A OS<br />

Twickenham 1 NFW OFF TL/9 Apache 20 45 21.33 115 30 17.77 8 26 3-Oct-03 10-Oct-03 12-Oct-03 3410 3376 P&A<br />

Van Gogh 1/ 1 ST1 NFW OFF WA-155-P R3 BHP Billiton 21 23 22.68 114 4 57.12 357 26 20-Sep-03 28-Sep-03 2-Oct-03 1526 1384 P&A OS<br />

Whitetail 1 NFW OFF WA-296-P Woodside 17 39 7.85 118 15 5.98 953 22 1-Jan-03 8-Jan-03 13-Jan-03 2504 1529 P&A<br />

Wigmore 1 NFW OFF WA-295-P Kerr-McGee 18 17 9.71 117 7 45.78 1247 27 28-Nov-02 11-Jan-03 23-Jan-03 5395 4121 P&A<br />

Perth Basin<br />

Cliff Head 3/ 3 CH1 EXT OFF WA-286-P ROC Oil 29 26 11.56 114 51 50.46 25 18 6-Jan-03 12-Jan-03 1-Feb-03 1408 1599 P&A O<br />

Cliff Head 4 EXT OFF WA-286-P ROC Oil 29 26 45.81 114 52 2.48 21 31 3-Mar-03 10-Mar-03 15-Mar-03 1598 1546 P&A OS<br />

Mentelle 1 NFW OFF WA-286-P ROC Oil 29 26 9.31 114 53 21.02 19 32 11-Feb-03 14-Feb-03 18-Feb-03 1509 1459 P&A<br />

Twin Lions 1 NFW OFF TP/15 AWE 29 22 10.45 114 53 11.38 14 31 1-Feb-03 7-Feb-03 10-Feb-03 1570 1525 P&A<br />

Vindara 1 NFW OFF WA-286-P ROC Oil 29 29 57.40 114 56 3.50 12 32 19-Feb-03 24-Feb-03 28-Feb-03 1755 1710 P&A<br />

Eremia 2/ 2H/ 2H ST1 DEV ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 18 36.39 115 1 38.14 31 39 20-Nov-03 2-Dec-03 2497 5607 DRILL<strong>IN</strong>G<br />

Hovea 5 DEV ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 19 8.77 115 2 30.00 59 67 30-Jan-03 6-Feb-03 24-Feb-03 2105 2097 P&A OS<br />

Hovea 6 DEV ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 19 8.77 115 2 30.00 59 67 9-Feb-03 14-Feb-03 24-Feb-03 2126 970 P&A OS<br />

Hovea 7 DEV ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 19 8.77 115 2 30.00 59 67 16-Feb-03 21-Feb-03 24-Feb-03 2245 562 O<br />

Hovea 8 DEV ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 19 5.78 115 2 41.23 60 68 20-Jul-03 10-Aug-03 14-Aug-03 2352 2344 O<br />

Hovea 4/ 4 ST1 EXT ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 19 8.33 115 2 28.20 59 67 20-Nov-02 8-Dec-02 13-Jan-03 2530 3307 O<br />

Hovea 9/ 9 ST1 EXT ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 19 41.56 115 2 39.00 55 63 9-Oct-03 26-Oct-03 12-Nov-03 2102 2750 P&A OS<br />

Jingemia 2 EXT ON EP 413 R1 Origin 29 20 21.48 114 59 23.71 6 14 24-Aug-03 9-Sep-03 29-Sep-03 2781 2773 P&A OS<br />

Jingemia 3 EXT ON EP 413 R1 Origin 29 20 21.48 114 59 23.71 6 14 19-Sep-03 21-Sep-03 29-Sep-03 2625 1885 SUSP OS<br />

Whicher Range 5/ 5 ST1EXT ON EP 408 R1 Amity 33 50 54.35 115 21 36.83 125 134 11-Oct-03 4060 4221 DRILL<strong>IN</strong>G<br />

Eclipse 1 NFW ON EP 389 R1 Empire 31 25 53.53 115 52 41.73 70 78 18-Apr-03 10-May-03 13-May-03 3660 3652 P&A OGS<br />

Eremia 1 NFW ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 18 32.35 115 1 5.10 27 35 6-Mar-03 27-Mar-03 31-Mar-03 2550 2542 O<br />

Leafcutter 1 NFW ON L 4 Hardman 29 51 8.43 115 3 15.25 20 5 1-Sep-03 17-Sep-03 20-Sep-03 1332 1347 P&A<br />

Hovea 10 WIW ON L 1 R1 Arc 29 19 41.56 115 2 39.00 55 63 28-Oct-03 2-Nov-03 12-Nov-03 2233 1229 SERVICE<br />

STATUS<br />

Drilling Drilling<br />

G&C Producing Gas & Condensate Well<br />

O Producing Oil Well<br />

O&G Producing Oil & Gas Well<br />

P&A Plugged & Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Dry Nonproducing, No Shows<br />

P&A G Plugged & Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Gas Producer<br />

P&A GC Plugged & Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Gas & Condensate Producer<br />

P&A GS Plugged & Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Dry/Non Producing Gas Shows<br />

P&A O Plugged & Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Oil Producer<br />

P&A OGS Plugged & Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Dry/Non Producing Oil & Gas Shows<br />

P&A OS Plugged & Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Dry/Non Producing Oil Shows<br />

P&S Plugged & Suspended<br />

Service Service Well<br />

SUSP Shut In/Suspended nonproducing Well, No Shows<br />

SUSP G Shut In/Suspended Gas Well<br />

SUSP O Shut In/Suspended Oil Well


Table 10. Western Australia list <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders as at 15 April 2004.<br />

(Issued for Guidance <strong>and</strong> information purposes only, The legal status <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Petroleum</strong> tenements listed may be verified by conducting a search <strong>of</strong> the register at the <strong>Petroleum</strong> Division)<br />

STATUS KEY<br />

ACT Active<br />

SPEN Surrender Pending<br />

EREN Renewed extension<br />

SUBS Subsisting<br />

Title Status Map ReferExpiry Registered Holders (* denotes Nominee)<br />

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1967 - Exploration Permit<br />

WA-1-P R6 Active K 11 16 Nov 2007 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

K 12 Santos Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-18-P R5 Pending Renewal W 5 01 Jun 2004 Bonaparte Gas & Oil Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

* Santos Limited<br />

WA-28-P R6 Active J 11 13 Feb 2007 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

K 11 BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-149-P R3 Active J 12 09 May 2005 Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-155-P R4 Active H 13 23 Feb 2009 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

Inpex Alpha Ltd<br />

* BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-191-P R3 Pending Renewal K 11 01 Jun 2004 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

L 11 Nippon Oil Exploration (Dampier) Pty Ltd<br />

Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

* Santos Limited<br />

WA-192-P R3 Pending Renewal J 12 08 Jul 2004 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-202-P R2 Active K 11 03 Aug 2004 AWE <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

K 12 W<strong>and</strong>oo <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-205-P R2 Active H 12 03 Dec 2005 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-208-P R2 Active K 11 03 Jun 2007 Eni Australia Limited<br />

Mosaic Oil NL<br />

STATUS KEY<br />

EXTN Extended<br />

SUS Suspended Conditions<br />

RPEN Renewal Pending<br />

* Operator<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 46<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-209-P R2 Active J 12 09 Nov 2005 Globex Far East Pty Ltd<br />

K 11 Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

K 12 * Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-214-P R2 Active H 12 06 Mar 2008 Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

J 12 * Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-226-P R2 Active F 19 05 Mar 2008 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

G 19 Dana <strong>Petroleum</strong> (E&P) Limited<br />

Dana <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA) LLC<br />

Norwest Energy NL<br />

Planet Resources Limited<br />

Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

* Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

WA-242-P R1 Pending Surrender Q 7 14 Nov 2004 Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

R 7 * Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

S 7<br />

WA-246-P R1 Active K 12 23 Oct 2005 Globex Far East Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-248-P R1 Suspension with extn K 10 11 Dec 2005 Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

K 11 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-253-P R1 Active H 11 21 Feb 2007 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

H 12 * ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

J 11<br />

WA-254-P R1 Active K 11 02 May 2006 First Australian Resources Limited<br />

K 12 Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

Sun Resources NL<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-255-P R1 Active G 12 01 Aug 2005 Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

G 13 * BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

H 13<br />

WA-256-P R1 Active J 12 15 Oct 2007 W<strong>and</strong>oo <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-257-P R1 Active J 12 18 Jan 2009 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Sun Resources NL


W<strong>and</strong>oo <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-261-P R1 Active K 12 11 Jul 2007 Arrow Energy NL<br />

Strike Oil NL<br />

Sun Resources NL<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-264-P R1 Suspension with extn H 13 03 Feb 2009 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

WA-268-P Extended G 10 04 Dec 2004 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

G 11<br />

G 12<br />

H 10<br />

H 11<br />

H 12<br />

WA-269-P Pending Renewal H 10 04 Sep 2003 Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

H 11 * Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

J 10<br />

J 11<br />

K 10<br />

K 11<br />

WA-271-P R1 Active G 13 24 Nov 2008 Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited<br />

H 13 * Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-274-P Active R 5 18 Feb 2005 * Coveyork Pty Limited<br />

S 5<br />

WA-275-P Pending Renewal Q 6 18 Aug 2004 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

Q 7 BP <strong>Petroleum</strong> Developments (NWS) Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-278-P Pending Surrender V 4 18 May 2007 Encana Corporation<br />

Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

SK Corporation<br />

Tap Oil Limited<br />

WA-279-P Pending Renewal X 5 18 Aug 2004 Eni Australia B.V.<br />

X 6 * Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-280-P Active 6 18 Aug 2004 Eni Australia B.V.<br />

W 6<br />

X 6<br />

WA-281-P Active R 5 18 Feb 2005 Beach <strong>Petroleum</strong> Limited<br />

R 6 Oil Search (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

* Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

WA-285-P Pending Renewal S 5 18 Aug 2004 Inpex Browse Ltd<br />

S 6<br />

WA-286-P Active G 21 21 Apr 2005 AWE Oil (Western Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

H 20 Cieco Exploration <strong>and</strong> Production (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

H 21 Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

H 22 W<strong>and</strong>oo <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* Roc Oil (WA) Pty Limited<br />

WA-287-P Pending Surrender T 4 21 Feb 2005 Magellan <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

T 5<br />

U 4<br />

U 5<br />

WA-288-P Pending Surrender U 4 21 Feb 2005 Inpex Alpha Ltd<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 47<br />

U 5 * Magellan <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-290-P Suspension with extn H 12 25 Jul 2005 OMV Barrow Pty Ltd<br />

WA-291-P Active L 11 03 Feb 2006 Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

M 11 * Magellan <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-293-P Active M 9 03 Aug 2005 Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

M 10 * Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

M 11<br />

N 9<br />

N 10<br />

N 11<br />

WA-294-P Active K 9 16 Aug 2005 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

K 10 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-296-P Active L 9 16 Feb 2006 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

L 10 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

M 8 ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

M 9 Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

M 10 Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-297-P Active M 8 16 Aug 2005 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

M 9 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

N 8 ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

N 9 Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-301-P Active P 5 24 Jul 2006 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

P 6 Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Q 5<br />

Q 6<br />

WA-302-P Active Q 5 24 Jul 2006 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

Q 6 Kerr-McGee Australia Exploration <strong>and</strong> Production Pty<br />

Ltd<br />

Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Copernicus Pty Ltd<br />

WA-303-P Active P 6 24 Jul 2006 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Barcoo Pty Ltd<br />

WA-304-P Active P 6 24 Jul 2006 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

Q 6 Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

WA-305-P Active P 6 24 Jul 2006 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

P 7 Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Barcoo Pty Ltd<br />

WA-306-P Active P 7 24 Jul 2006 Magellan <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

* Antrim Energy Australia Pty Limited<br />

WA-307-P Active P 8 22 Aug 2006 Magellan <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

* Antrim Energy Australia Pty Limited<br />

WA-308-P Pending Surrender H 12 11 Jun 2007 OMV <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

J 12 * OMV Timor Sea Pty Ltd<br />

WA-309-P Pending Surrender J 12 11 Jun 2007 OMV <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

J 13 * OMV Timor Sea Pty Ltd<br />

WA-310-P Active K 11 20 Aug 2007 * West Oil (Carnarvon) Pty Ltd


L 11<br />

WA-311-P Active U 5 02 Sep 2007 Inpex Alpha Ltd<br />

* Magellan <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-312-P Active K 12 17 Sep 2007 Pancontinental Oil & Gas NL<br />

L 12 Strike Oil NL<br />

Sun Resources NL<br />

* Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA-209P) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-313-P Active X 5 24 Sep 2007 Eni Australia B.V.<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-314-P Suspension with extn Q 5 11 Nov 2008 Liberty <strong>Petroleum</strong> Corporation<br />

R 5<br />

WA-315-P Suspension with extn Q 5 11 Nov 2008 Liberty <strong>Petroleum</strong> Corporation<br />

R 5<br />

WA-316-P Active U 2 05 Dec 2007 Ashmore Oil Pty Ltd<br />

U 3<br />

WA-317-P Suspension with extn W 5 12 Dec 2008 Drillsearch Energy Limited<br />

WA-318-P Suspension with extn W 5 12 Dec 2008 Drillsearch Energy Limited<br />

X 5<br />

WA-319-P Suspension with extn X 5 12 Dec 2008 Drillsearch Energy Limited<br />

X 6<br />

WA-320-P Active H 13 13 Mar 2008 OMV <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

OMV Timor Sea Pty Ltd<br />

WA-321-P Active J 11 21 Mar 2008 Strata Resources N.L.<br />

J 12 * Octanex N.L.<br />

K 11<br />

WA-322-P Suspension with extn H 12 21 Sep 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

H 13<br />

WA-323-P Active J 11 21 Mar 2008 Octanex N.L.<br />

J 12 Strata Resources N.L.<br />

WA-324-P Active W 4 04 Jul 2008 Bounty Oil & Gas NL<br />

W 5<br />

WA-325-P Active G 20 23 Jul 2008 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

G 21 Bounty Oil & Gas NL<br />

H 20 Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

H 21 * Roc Oil (WA) Pty Limited<br />

WA-326-P Active F 20 23 Jul 2008 Eni Australia B.V.<br />

G 20<br />

WA-327-P Active G 19 23 Jul 2008 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

Bounty Oil & Gas NL<br />

Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

* Roc Oil (WA) Pty Limited<br />

WA-328-P Active F 19 24 Jul 2008 Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

F 20 * Eni Australia B.V.<br />

G 19<br />

G 20<br />

WA-329-P Active H 13 04 Sep 2008 "Rocky Mountain Minerals, Inc "<br />

Strata Resources N.L.<br />

* Octanex N.L.<br />

WA-330-P Active J 11 04 Sep 2008 Strata Resources N.L.<br />

J 12 * Octanex N.L.<br />

WA-331-P Active T 5 04 Sep 2008 Eagle Bay Resources NL<br />

T 6 Icon Energy Ltd<br />

U 5 Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd<br />

U 6 * Rawson Resources NL<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 48<br />

WA-332-P Active S 5 30 Sep 2008 Alpha Oil & Natural Gas Pty Ltd<br />

S 6 Goldsborough Energy Pty Ltd<br />

T 5 Hawkestone Oil Pty Ltd<br />

T 6 * Batavia Oil & Gas Pty Ltd<br />

WA-333-P Active T 5 30 Sep 2008 Alpha Oil & Natural Gas Pty Ltd<br />

T 6 Goldsborough Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Hawkestone Oil Pty Ltd<br />

* Batavia Oil & Gas Pty Ltd<br />

WA-334-P Active J 12 16 Dec 2008 Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-335-P Active G 12 16 Dec 2008 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

G 13<br />

H 12<br />

WA-336-P Active E 18 17 Dec 2008 Petroz N.L.<br />

E 19<br />

F 18<br />

F 19<br />

WA-337-P Active F 20 14 Jan 2009 Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

G 20<br />

G 21<br />

WA-338-P Active T 5 14 Jan 2009 SK Corporation<br />

U 5 * Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

WA-339-P Active E 19 14 Jan 2009 Kerr-McGee NW Shelf Australia Energy Pty Ltd<br />

F 19 * Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

G 19<br />

WA-340-P Active K 12 05 Mar 2009 Pancontinental Oil & Gas NL<br />

Sun Resources NL<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> (WA-209P) Pty Ltd<br />

* Strike Oil NL<br />

WA-341-P Active S 5 28 May 2009 Alpha Oil & Natural Gas Pty Ltd<br />

T 5 Batavia Oil & Gas Pty Ltd<br />

Goldsborough Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Hawkestone Oil Pty Ltd<br />

WA-342-P Active T 5 28 May 2009 Alpha Oil & Natural Gas Pty Ltd<br />

Batavia Oil & Gas Pty Ltd<br />

Goldsborough Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Hawkestone Oil Pty Ltd<br />

WA-343-P Active S 5 10 Jun 2009 National Gas Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-344-P Active S 5 10 Jun 2009 National Gas Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-345-P Active H 13 10 Jul 2009 OMV <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

OMV Timor Sea Pty Ltd<br />

WA-346-P Active G 11 15 Jul 2009 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-347-P Active G 10 25 Sep 2009 Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

H 10<br />

WA-348-P Active G 10 25 Sep 2009 Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

G 11<br />

WA-349-P Active H 20 05 Jan 2010 Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

* Roc Oil (WA) Pty Limited<br />

WA-350-P Active J 11 22 Dec 2009 Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

J 12<br />

WA-351-P Active G 12 05 Jan 2010 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

G 13<br />

WA-352-P Active K 11 08 Jun 2010 Drillsearch Energy Limited<br />

L 11


PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1967 - Pipeline Licence<br />

WA-1-PL Extended 05 Jan 3002 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-2-PL Active 01 Feb 2093 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-3-PL Active 17 Nov 2093 Inpex Alpha Ltd<br />

Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-4-PL Active 16 Mar 2095 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-5-PL Active 18 Mar 2096 Apache East Spar Pty Limited<br />

Apache Kersail Pty Limited<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-6-PL Active 25 Aug 2097 Globex Far East Pty Ltd<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-7-PL Active 07 Jan 3001 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

Santos Limited<br />

Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-8-PL Active 26 Apr 3001 ConocoPhillips Pipeline Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Eni Gas & Power LNG Australia B.V.<br />

Inpex DLNGPL Pty Ltd<br />

Petroz LNG Pty Ltd<br />

Santos Timor Sea Pipeline Pty Ltd<br />

TEPCO Darwin LNG Pty Ltd<br />

Tokyo Gas Darwin LNG Pty Ltd<br />

WA-9-PL Active 28 Oct 3001 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-10-PL Active 12 Dec 2102 BHP <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1967 - Production Licence<br />

WA-1-L R1 Active K 11 29 Sep 2022 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 49<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-2-L R1 Active K 11 29 Sep 2022 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-3-L R1 Active K 11 29 Sep 2022 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-4-L R1 Active K 11 29 Sep 2022 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-5-L R1 Active J 11 29 Sep 2022 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-6-L R1 Active J 11 29 Sep 2022 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-7-L Active J 12 03 Feb 2009 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-8-L Active K 11 16 Aug 2009 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

* Santos Limited<br />

WA-9-L Active K 11 11 Apr 2012 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-10-L Active H 13 18 Feb 2014 Inpex Alpha Ltd<br />

Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-11-L Active K 11 30 Sep 2014 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd


Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-12-L Active H 13 13 Feb 2015 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

* BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-13-L Active H 12 18 Feb 2017 Apache East Spar Pty Limited<br />

J 12 Apache Kersail Pty Limited<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-14-L Active K 12 19 Mar 2017 W<strong>and</strong>oo <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* MOBIL (LEGENDRE) PTY LTD<br />

WA-15-L Active K 12 25 Aug 2018 Globex Far East Pty Ltd<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

WA-16-L Active K 11 11 Sep 2018 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-17-L Active K 11 14 Jan 2099 ConocoPhillips Australia Gas Holdings Pty Ltd<br />

* Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

WA-18-L Active V 2 12 May 2099 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-19-L Active V 2 05 Sep 2099 Nexen <strong>Petroleum</strong> Australia Pty Limited<br />

WA-20-L Active K 11 15 Nov 2099 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

Santos Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-21-L Active V 2 25 Nov 2099 Nexen <strong>Petroleum</strong> Australia Pty Limited<br />

WA-22-L Active H 12 28 Feb 3000 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Tap West Pty Ltd<br />

* Eni Australia Limited<br />

WA-23-L Active J 11 12 Sep 3001 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-24-L Active J 11 12 Sep 3001 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-25-L Active H 12 20 Jun 3002 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

H 13 Tap West Pty Ltd<br />

* Eni Australia Limited<br />

WA-26-L Active K 11 23 Mar 2104 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Nippon Oil Exploration (Dampier) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos Limited<br />

Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-27-L Active K 11 23 Mar 2104 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Nippon Oil Exploration (Dampier) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos Limited<br />

Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 50<br />

WA-28-L Active G 13 28 Mar 2104 Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited<br />

H 13 * Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1967 - Retention Lease<br />

WA-1-R R2 Pending Renewal G 11 03 Aug 2004 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

* Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd<br />

WA-2-R R2 Active H 12 28 May 2008 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-3-R R2 Active H 12 28 May 2008 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-4-R R2 Active H 12 28 May 2008 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-5-R R2 Active J 12 28 May 2008 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-6-R R1 Active X 4 31 Jan 2005 Bonaparte Gas & Oil Pty Limited<br />

Origin Energy Bonaparte Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

* Santos Limited<br />

WA-7-R R1 Active J 11 05 Dec 2005 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

J 12 BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-9-R R1 Active J 11 05 Aug 2007 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-10-R R1 Active K 11 11 Jul 2007 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-12-R R1 Active H 13 05 Oct 2008 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

* BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

WA-13-R Active X 6 18 Oct 2005 Basin Oil Pty Ltd<br />

Frontier Bonaparte Pty Ltd<br />

OMV Timor Sea Pty Ltd<br />

* OMV <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

WA-14-R Active H 12 08 Nov 2005 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd


WA-15-R Active H 11 19 Apr 2006 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

H 12 * ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-16-R Active J 11 22 Aug 2007 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-17-R Active J 11 01 Oct 2007 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-18-R Active H 11 29 Oct 2007 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-19-R Active H 12 17 Aug 2008 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-20-R Active H 12 17 Aug 2008 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-21-R Active J 11 17 Aug 2008 Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-22-R Active H 11 17 Aug 2008 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-23-R Active J 11 17 Aug 2008 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-24-R Active H 12 17 Aug 2008 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-25-R Active H 11 17 Aug 2008 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-26-R Active H 11 17 Aug 2008 BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd<br />

H 12 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

WA-27-R Active X 5 28 Oct 2008 Bonaparte Gas & Oil Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

* Santos Limited<br />

WA-28-R Active Q 6 29 Dec 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP <strong>Petroleum</strong> Developments (NWS) Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-29-R Active Q 6 29 Dec 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP <strong>Petroleum</strong> Developments (NWS) Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 51<br />

WA-30-R Active Q 5 29 Dec 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

Q 6 BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

R 5 ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

R 6 Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-31-R Active Q 6 29 Dec 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-32-R Active Q 6 29 Dec 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

WA-33-R Active J 12 04 Apr 2009 Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1982 - Exploration Permit<br />

TP/2 R2 Pending Renewal J 12 09 May 2003 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TP/6 R2 Pending Renewal H 13 12 Oct 2003 * Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TP/7 R2 Active ? 16 Apr 2005 Ampolex (PPL) Pty Ltd<br />

J 12 Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

J 13 Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TP/8 R2 Active J 12 14 Nov 2004 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

J 13 Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TP/9 R2 Active H 13 09 Jul 2006 * Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TP/15 Suspended Condition H 20 21 Apr 2005 AWE (Perth Basin) Pty Ltd<br />

H 21 Arc Energy Limited<br />

Hardman Oil And Gas Pty Ltd<br />

Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

Westranch Holdings Pty Ltd<br />

* Roc Oil (WA) Pty Limited<br />

TP/17 Extension Renewal J 12 25 Dec 2004 Strike Oil NL<br />

K 12<br />

TP/18 Active H 13 11 Oct 2007 Strike Oil NL<br />

J 13 * Tap Oil Limited<br />

TP/19 Active K 12 20 Mar 2008 Strike Oil NL<br />

TP/20 Active J 12 02 Apr 2008 Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

TP/21 Active K 12 02 Jan 2009 Eagle Bay Resources NL<br />

Icon Energy Ltd<br />

Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Middle East) Pty Ltd<br />

* Rawson Resources NL


TP/22 Active 6 11 Jan 2010 Eni Australia B.V.<br />

W 6<br />

X 6<br />

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1982 - Pipeline Licence<br />

TPL/1 Active 29 Aug 2006 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/2 Active 29 Aug 2006 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/3 Active 09 Nov 2008 Ampolex (PPL) Pty Ltd<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/4 Active 09 Nov 2008 Ampolex (PPL) Pty Ltd<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/5 Active 09 May 2010 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/6 Active 19 Jan 2010 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/7 R1 Active 09 Dec 2022 Ampolex (PPL) Pty Ltd<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/8 Active 25 Jul 2012 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/9 Active 09 Feb 2009 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/10 Active 01 Nov 2014 Inpex Alpha Ltd<br />

Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 52<br />

* BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/11 Active 30 Dec 2014 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/12 Active 14 Mar 2017 Apache East Spar Pty Limited<br />

Apache Kersail Pty Limited<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/13 Active 20 Sep 2019 Apache East Spar Pty Limited<br />

Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Kersail Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/14 Active 26 Nov 2019 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TPL/15 Active 05 Jan 2023 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

TPL/16 Active 17 Oct 2023 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1982 - Production Licence<br />

TL/1 Active J 12 06 Nov 2006 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TL/2 Active J 13 25 Nov 2008 Ampolex (PPL) Pty Ltd<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TL/3 Active J 12 03 Feb 2009 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd


* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TL/4 Active H 13 14 Nov 2010 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

J 13 Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TL/5 Active J 12 03 Nov 2012 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TL/6 Active J 12 03 Nov 2012 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TL/7 Active H 13 15 Dec 2014 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TL/8 Active J 12 20 Sep 2019 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TL/9 Active J 12 28 Nov 2023 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT, 1982 - Retention Lease<br />

TR/1 Pending Renewal J 13 31 Jan 2004 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TR/2 Pending Renewal J 12 31 Jan 2004 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TR/3 Active H 13 19 Nov 2006 Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

TR/4 Active J 13 28 Jul 2007 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 53<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

TR/5 Active Q 5 29 Dec 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

Q 6 BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

R 6 ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM ACT, 1967 - Access Authority to Deviated Well<br />

ADW 8/90-1 Active 23 Jun 2009 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ADW 10/92-3 Active 08 May 2006 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

ADW 12/91-2 Active 19 Dec 2004 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM ACT, 1967 - Exploration Permit<br />

EP 23 R6 Active J 21 09 Jun 2007 Ausam Resources Limited<br />

EP 41 R6 Active G 14 13 May 2008 Pace <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

H 14 Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd<br />

* Lansvale Oil & Gas Pty Ltd<br />

EP 61 R6 Active J 12 11 Dec 2007 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

EP 62 R6 Active J 12 28 Oct 2008 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

EP 104 R4 Active S 8 09 Nov 2004 First Australian Resources Limited<br />

S 9 Indigo Oil Pty Ltd<br />

Kimberley Oil NL<br />

Pancontinental Oil & Gas NL<br />

Pelsoil Limited<br />

Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

* Gulliver Productions Pty Ltd<br />

EP 110 R4 Active H 13 23 Jan 2006 Carnarvon <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

J 13 Euro Pacific Energy Pty Ltd<br />

Hardman Oil And Gas Pty Ltd<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

"Radford, Roy Antony "<br />

EP 129 R4 Active S 9 08 Jul 2006 * Terratek Drilling Tools Pty Limited<br />

T 9


EP 137 R4 Active J 13 22 May 2005 JED North West Shelf Pty Ltd<br />

* Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

EP 307 R3 Active J 12 17 Sep 2005 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

EP 320 R3 Active J 21 23 Jul 2007 AWE (Perth Basin) Pty Ltd<br />

J 22 * Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

EP 321 R3 Active J 22 05 Apr 2009 Capital Consultant Services Pty Ltd<br />

* Ausam Resources Limited<br />

EP 325 R2 Extension Renewal H 13 03 Feb 2005 Sun Resources NL<br />

H 14 * Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

EP 341 R2 Active J 12 22 May 2005 Strike Oil NL<br />

J 13 West Oil (Carnarvon) Pty Ltd<br />

* Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

EP 342 R2 Active H 13 19 Apr 2005 * Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

EP 357 R2 Active H 13 29 Apr 2007 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

EP 358 R1 Active J 12 14 Nov 2004 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

EP 359 R1 Pending Renewal G 14 06 Apr 2004 Pace <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

H 13 Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd<br />

H 14 Sun Resources NL<br />

* Lansvale Oil & Gas Pty Ltd<br />

EP 363 R2 Active J 12 11 Aug 2007 Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

EP 364 R1 Active J 13 14 Nov 2004 Westranch Holdings Pty Ltd<br />

* Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

EP 368 R2 Active J 21 10 Feb 2008 Arc Energy Limited<br />

Hardman Oil And Gas Pty Ltd<br />

Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

Westranch Holdings Pty Ltd<br />

EP 369 R2 Active H 15 25 Mar 2009 Longreach Oil Limited<br />

EP 371 R1 Active T 9 04 May 2005 Kimberley Oil NL<br />

T 10<br />

U 10<br />

EP 374 R1 Suspension with extn S 13 16 Jul 2004 Nerdlihc Company Inc<br />

T 13<br />

T 14<br />

EP 375 R1 Suspension with extn S 13 16 Jul 2004 Nerdlihc Company Inc<br />

S 14<br />

T 13<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 54<br />

T 14<br />

EP 376 R1 Suspension with extn T 14 16 Jul 2004 Nerdlihc Company Inc<br />

T 15<br />

U 14<br />

U 15<br />

EP 380 R1 Pending Renewal Q 15 13 Jan 2004 Jagen Nominees Pty Ltd<br />

R 15 * Amadeus <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

R 16<br />

S 16<br />

EP 381 R1 Pending Renewal J 25 10 Dec 2003 Geopetro Resources Company<br />

J 26 * Southern Amity Inc.<br />

EP 386 R1 Pending Renewal X 6 11 Jul 2004 Kimberley Energy Group Pty Ltd<br />

X 7<br />

EP 389 R1 Active J 23 24 Sep 2005 * Empire Oil Company (WA) Limited<br />

K 23<br />

EP 390 R1 Active R 10 28 Jun 2006 Kimberley Oil NL<br />

R 11<br />

S 10<br />

S 11<br />

EP 391 R1 Active R 9 28 Jun 2006 Kimberley Oil NL<br />

R 10<br />

S 9<br />

S 10<br />

EP 395 R1 Active J 12 11 Feb 2007 First Australian Resources Limited<br />

Goodrich <strong>Petroleum</strong> Company<br />

Sun Resources NL<br />

Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

EP 397 R1 Active J 12 27 Aug 2008 First Australian Resources Limited<br />

J 13 Goodrich <strong>Petroleum</strong> Company<br />

* Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

EP 403 R1 Active J 12 10 Dec 2007 Tap (Shelfal) Pty Ltd<br />

K 12<br />

EP 405 R1 Active H 16 25 Mar 2009 Longreach Oil Limited<br />

J 16<br />

EP 406 Pending Renewal G 16 28 Nov 2002 Euro Pacific Energy Pty Ltd<br />

G 17 * Victoria Diamond Exploration Pty Ltd<br />

EP 407 R1 Active J 22 13 Apr 2009 Capital Consultant Services Pty Ltd<br />

* Ausam Resources Limited<br />

EP 408 R1 Active J 25 28 Jul 2008 Geopetro Resources Company<br />

Korea National Oil Corp.<br />

SCGAU Pty Limited<br />

* Southern Amity Inc.<br />

EP 409 R1 Active J 13 13 May 2009 OMV Barrow Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

EP 410 R1 Active H 15 25 Mar 2009 Longreach Oil Limited<br />

EP 411 Pending Surrender J 24 26 Aug 2004 * Empire Oil Company (WA) Limited<br />

EP 412 Extension Renewal G 14 18 Jun 2004 Bounty Oil & Gas NL<br />

G 15 * Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd<br />

H 14<br />

H 15<br />

EP 413 R1 Active H 21 25 Aug 2004 Arc Energy Limited<br />

J 21 "Geary, John Kevin "<br />

Hardman Oil And Gas Pty Ltd


Norwest Energy NL<br />

Roc Oil (WA) Pty Limited<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

* Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

EP 414 R1 Active J 22 25 Aug 2004 "Burns, Alan Robert "<br />

Empire Oil Company (WA) Limited<br />

Euro Pacific Energy Pty Ltd<br />

"Geary, John Kevin "<br />

"Hughes, Dan Allen "<br />

"Hughes, Dudley Joe "<br />

Springfield Oil <strong>and</strong> Gas Limited<br />

* Ausam Resources Limited<br />

EP 415 Active J 20 25 Aug 2005 * Empire Oil Company (WA) Limited<br />

J 23<br />

EP 416 Active J 24 25 Aug 2005 Empire Oil Company (WA) Limited<br />

J 25<br />

J 26<br />

EP 417 Active V 11 21 Feb 2006 New St<strong>and</strong>ard Exploration NL<br />

V 12<br />

W 11<br />

W 12<br />

EP 419 Active J 21 18 Oct 2006 Black Rock Resources Australia NL<br />

Norwest Energy NL<br />

EP 420 Active J 13 11 Oct 2007 Strike Oil NL<br />

* Tap Oil Limited<br />

EP 421 Active K 12 20 Mar 2008 Strike Oil NL<br />

EP 422 Active P 11 21 Mar 2008 Ausoil Exploration Pty Ltd<br />

P 12<br />

Q 11<br />

R 11<br />

R 12<br />

EP 423 Active K 12 02 Jan 2009 Eagle Bay Resources NL<br />

Icon Energy Ltd<br />

Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd<br />

Victoria <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Middle East) Pty Ltd<br />

* Rawson Resources NL<br />

EP 424 Active J 13 13 Apr 2010 West Oil NL<br />

EP 425 Active H 22 16 Jun 2010 Amity Oil NL<br />

J 22<br />

J 23<br />

PETROLEUM ACT, 1967 - Production Licence<br />

L 1 R1 Active J 21 17 May 2014 Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

* Arc Energy Limited<br />

L 2 R1 Active H 21 17 May 2014 Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

J 21 * Arc Energy Limited<br />

L 4 Pending Renewal J 21 24 Mar 2004 Bounty Oil & Gas NL<br />

* Hardman Oil And Gas Pty Ltd<br />

L 5 Active J 21 28 Dec 2004 Bounty Oil & Gas NL<br />

* Hardman Oil And Gas Pty Ltd<br />

L 6 Active T 9 22 Sep 2004 * Terratek Drilling Tools Pty Limited<br />

L 7 Active J 21 13 May 2005 Arc Energy Limited<br />

L 8 Active T 9 21 Oct 2005 * Terratek Drilling Tools Pty Limited<br />

L 9 Active H 13 03 Jun 2008 Origin Energy Amadeus NL<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 55<br />

Origin Energy <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Limited<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

Tubridgi <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* Sagasco South East Inc.<br />

L 10 Active J 12 03 Feb 2009 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

L 11 Active J 21 14 May 2013 AWE (Perth Basin) Pty Ltd<br />

* Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

L 12 Active J 13 28 Jul 2023 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

L 13 Active H 13 28 Jul 2023 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

L 1H R1 Active J 12 09 Feb 2009 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM ACT, 1967 - Retention Lease<br />

R 1 Active S 9 28 Aug 2008 First Australian Resources Limited<br />

Indigo Oil Pty Ltd<br />

Kimberley Oil NL<br />

Pancontinental Oil & Gas NL<br />

Pelsoil Limited<br />

Voyager (PB) Limited<br />

* Gulliver Productions Pty Ltd<br />

R 2 Active Q 6 29 Dec 2008 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PETROLEUM PIPEL<strong>IN</strong>E ACT, 1969 - Pipeline Licence<br />

PL 1 R1 Active 01 Dec 2012 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 2 R1 Active 01 Dec 2012 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 3 R1 Active 01 Dec 2012 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 5 R1 Active 01 Dec 2012 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 6 R2 Active 28 Dec 2004 Bounty Oil & Gas NL<br />

* Hardman Oil And Gas Pty Ltd<br />

PL 7 Pending Renewal 08 May 2004 Terratek Drilling Tools Pty Limited<br />

PL 8 Pending Renewal 13 Oct 2004 Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty Ltd<br />

Nippon Steel Australia Pty Limited<br />

Peko-Wallsend Operations Ltd<br />

Sumitomo Metal Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd<br />

PL 12 Active 08 May 2006 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd


* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

PL 14 Active 26 Nov 2008 Ampolex (PPL) Pty Ltd<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> (South Aust) Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PL 15 Active 23 Jun 2009 Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PL 16 Active 17 Nov 2011 Origin Energy Amadeus NL<br />

Origin Energy <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Limited<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

Tubridgi <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* Sagasco South East Inc.<br />

PL 17 Active 25 Jul 2012 Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

PL 18 Active 22 Apr 2013 AWE (Perth Basin) Ltd<br />

* Origin Energy Developments Pty Limited<br />

PL 19 Active 08 Jun 2014 Origin Energy Amadeus NL<br />

Origin Energy <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Limited<br />

Pan Pacific <strong>Petroleum</strong> NL<br />

Tubridgi <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pty Ltd<br />

* Sagasco South East Inc.<br />

PL 20 Active 28 Sep 2014 Inpex Alpha Ltd<br />

Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />

PL 21 Active 23 Dec 2014 Chevron Asiatic Limited<br />

Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited<br />

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

Texaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PL 22 Active 06 Apr 2009 Epic Energy (Pilbara Pipeline) Pty Ltd<br />

PL 23 Active 01 Dec 2012 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 24 Active 26 Jan 2016 Duke Energy WA Power Pty Ltd<br />

Southern Cross Pipelines (NPL) Australia Pty Ltd<br />

* Southern Cross Pipelines Australia Pty Limited<br />

PL 25 Active 01 Apr 2017 Southern Cross Pipelines Australia Pty Limited<br />

PL 26 Active 01 Apr 2017 Southern Cross Pipelines Australia Pty Limited<br />

PL 27 Active 01 Apr 2017 Southern Cross Pipelines Australia Pty Limited<br />

PL 28 Active 09 Apr 2017 Southern Cross Pipelines (NPL) Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PL 29 Active 12 Sep 2016 Apache East Spar Pty Limited<br />

Apache Kersail Pty Limited<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PL 30 Active 14 Mar 2017 Apache East Spar Pty Limited<br />

Apache Kersail Pty Limited<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

PWA April Edition - Titles <strong>and</strong> Holders 56<br />

PL 31 Active 11 Sep 2017 Epic Energy (Pilbara Pipeline) Pty Ltd<br />

PL 32 Active 26 Nov 2017 APT Pipelines (WA) Pty Limited<br />

PL 33 Active 16 Mar 2018 APT Pipelines (WA) Pty Limited<br />

PL 34 Active 06 Apr 2018 Newmont Y<strong>and</strong>al Operations Pty Ltd<br />

PL 35 Active 13 May 2018 Plutonic Operations Limited<br />

PL 36 Active 06 Jul 2018 Origin Energy Pipelines Pty Limited<br />

PL 37 Active 23 Dec 2018 Centaur Nickel Pty Limited<br />

PL 38 Active 05 Feb 2019 Epic Energy (Pilbara Pipeline) Pty Ltd<br />

PL 39 Active 10 Mar 2019 Origin Energy Pipelines Pty Limited<br />

PL 40 Active 24 Mar 2019 Epic Energy (WA) Nominees Pty Ltd<br />

PL 41 Active 12 Aug 2019 Epic Energy (WA) Transmission Pty Ltd<br />

PL 42 Active 13 Oct 2019 Apache East Spar Pty Limited<br />

Apache Harriet Pty Limited<br />

Apache Kersail Pty Limited<br />

Apache Lowendal Pty Limited<br />

Apache Miladin Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Nasmah Pty Ltd<br />

Apache Oil Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Santos (Bol) Pty Ltd<br />

Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd<br />

* Apache Northwest Pty Ltd<br />

PL 43 Active 31 Jan 2020 Western Power Corporation<br />

* APT Pipelines (WA) Pty Limited<br />

PL 44 Active 02 Feb 2020 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 45 Active 16 Feb 2020 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 46 Active 21 Jun 2020 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 47 Active 24 Mar 2019 Epic Energy (WA) Transmission Pty Ltd<br />

PL 48 Active 26 Oct 2020 Statewest Power Pty Ltd<br />

PL 52 Active 21 May 2021 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 53 Active 22 May 2021 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

PL 54 Active 08 Mar 2022 Western Power Corporation<br />

* APT Pipelines (WA) Pty Limited<br />

PL 55 Active 29 Jul 2022 Gwalia Tantalum Pty Ltd<br />

PL 56 Active 29 Jul 2022 Epic Energy (WA) One Pty Ltd<br />

PL 57 Active 14 Oct 2022 Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd<br />

PL 58 Active 17 Oct 2023 BHP Billiton <strong>Petroleum</strong> (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd<br />

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd<br />

ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd<br />

Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd<br />

Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited<br />

* Woodside Energy Ltd<br />

PL 59 Active 23 Feb 2024 Esperance Pipeline Co. Pty Limited<br />

PL 60 Active 16 Oct 2024 Gas Transmission Services WA (Operations) Pty Ltd<br />

PL 61 Active 25 Nov 2024 CMS Gas Transmission <strong>of</strong> Australia


EXECUTIVE<br />

Director General<br />

Jim Limerick (08) 9327 5488<br />

PETROLEUM AND ROYALTIES DIVISION<br />

Telephone (08) 9222 3273<br />

Facsimile (08) 9222 3515 / 3799<br />

EXECUTIVE<br />

Director<br />

Bill Tinapple (08) 9222 3291<br />

RESOURCES BRANCH<br />

Manager Resources<br />

Reza Malek (08) 9222 3759<br />

Senior Production Geologist<br />

Rod Dedman (08) 9222 3311<br />

Senior <strong>Petroleum</strong> Technologist<br />

Steve Walsh (08) 9222 3267<br />

Reservoir Geologist<br />

Lisa Gibbons (08) 9222 3284<br />

Research Geologist<br />

Darren Ferdin<strong>and</strong>o (08) 9222 3445<br />

Exploration Geologist<br />

Richard Bruce (08) 9222 3314<br />

POLICY, LEGISLATION & TITLES BRANCH<br />

Manager Policy, Legislation <strong>and</strong> Titles<br />

Bill Mason (08) 9222 3133<br />

<strong>Petroleum</strong> Registrar<br />

Stephen Hill (08) 9222 3140<br />

Work Commitments Monitoring Officer<br />

Stephen Collyer (08) 9222 3318<br />

Legislation <strong>and</strong> Special Projects Officer<br />

Colin Harvey (08) 9222 3315<br />

SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT BRANCH<br />

General Manager Safety <strong>and</strong> Environment<br />

Richard Craddock (08) 9222 3254<br />

Manager <strong>Petroleum</strong> Pipelines<br />

Khalil Ihdayhid (08) 9222 3270<br />

Manager Environment<br />

Kim Anderson (08) 9222 3142<br />

Manager Operations Safety<br />

Zbigniew Lambert (08) 9222 3313<br />

Acting Manager Risk Assessment<br />

Brendon French (08) 9222 3488<br />

ADM<strong>IN</strong>ISTRATION BRANCH<br />

Manager Administration <strong>and</strong> IT<br />

Mark Gabrielson (08) 9222 3010<br />

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DIVISION<br />

Telephone (08) 9222 3222 / 3168<br />

Facsimile (08) 9222 3633<br />

EXECUTIVE<br />

Executive Director<br />

Tim Griffin (08) 9222 3160<br />

General Manager Resources<br />

Rick Rogerson (08) 9222 3170<br />

STATUTORY EXPLORATION<br />

<strong>IN</strong>FORMATION GROUP<br />

Manager <strong>Petroleum</strong> Data<br />

Jeff Haworth (08) 9222 3214<br />

PETROLEUM SYSTEMS STUDIES<br />

Terraine Custodian - Basins<br />

Roger Hocking (08) 9222 3590<br />

Acting Manager<br />

Arthur Mory (08) 9222 3327<br />

<strong>IN</strong>VESTMENT SERVICES<br />

Telephone (08) 9327 5555<br />

Facsimile (08) 9327 5500<br />

EXECUTIVE<br />

Deputy Director General<br />

Noel Ashcr<strong>of</strong>t (08) 9327 5469<br />

<strong>IN</strong>DUSTRIAL <strong>IN</strong>FRASTRUCTURE COORD<strong>IN</strong>ATION DIVISION<br />

Acting Director<br />

Roger Dean (08) 9327 5506<br />

<strong>IN</strong>VESTMENT FACILITATION DIVISION<br />

PWA April Edition - Key Contacts 57<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources<br />

Key Contacts<br />

Director<br />

Ross Marshall (08) 9327 5410<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Industry <strong>and</strong> Resources

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