Cooper Energy begins appraisal programme at Butlers field in Australia

Cooper Energy has started a four-well appraisal programme of the Butlers oil field by the PEL 92 joint venture (JV) in the Cooper Basin, South Australia.

The JV comprising Cooper Energy and Beach Energy has recently spudded the Butlers-10 well.

The PEL 92 permit is operated by Beach Energy with a 75% stake and Cooper Energy holds the remaining 25% stake.

According to the company, the Bulters appraisal campaign follows the Parsons and Callawong campaigns. It also noted that the campaign is designed to test field limits.

The four wells that are to be drilled at the field are Butlers-10, Butlers-11, Butlers-12, and Butlers-13.

Butlers-10 is located approximately 540m south-east of Butlers-6 and will test the extension of the southeastern field boundary. The total depth of Butlers-10 is predicted at 1,659m measured depth below rotary table (MDRT).

Butlers-11 is located approximately 460m south-east of Butlers-4. It will test the extension of the southern field boundary and the total depth of the well is predicted at 1,643m MDRT.

Another well is Butlers-12, which is located 350m south-east of Butlers-1. It will test the south-western field boundary. The total depth of the well is predicted at 1,650 TD metres MDRT.

Meanwhile, Butlers-13 will test a possible field extension to the north. Located approximately 500m south-east of Butlers-2, it has an estimated total well depth of 1,662m MDRT.

The company noted that all these wells will target the field’s primary producing reservoir Namur Sandstone.

Cooper Energy said in a statement: “Butlers is connected via the PEL 92 pipeline through Callawonga into the Lycium Hub facility.

“The appraisal wells will enable development locations to be selected for future field development. Successful wells in the current programme may also be completed and connected as future producers.”

Each well in the campaign is expected to take nearly one week and the programme will be followed by two wells at the Rincon oil field.