SDX Energy makes major gas discovery in Morocco

SDX Energy has made a natural gas discovery at its LMS-1 exploration well on the Lalla Mimouna permit in Morocco.

Drilled to a total depth of 1,158m, the well is said to have encountered 16.4m of net conventional gas pay sands, which have an average porosity of 32% in an over-pressured section.

The well tested a target in the H-9 sequence that had not been previously tested. The discovery was said to comprise heavy gas shows, indicating the presence of a deep thermogenic source rock charging the structure.

In addition, there is a potential presence of liquid hydrocarbons within the section.

SDX Energy president and CEO Paul Welch said: “We are very pleased with the results of this exploration well as it has significantly exceeded our pre-drill estimates for both reservoir quality and pay sand thickness.

“Given the deeper source rock, the heavier gas elements and fluorescence seen in the cuttings, we are anticipating production of condensate during the test that could add some significant value to the production established in this area.

“While the group is on track to double overall production in 2018, this provides us with the ability to further grow our reserves and production potential in Morocco, where we are targeting a four-fold increase in production from our current portfolio in the medium term.”

The well will be completed as a producer in the H-9 interval, and SDX Energy intends to conduct further extensive testing.