Norwest Energy to Conduct Survey of Northern Perth Basin

Norwest Energy has received a Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) to conduct an FTG survey in the Northern Perth Basin, West Australia, to assess the hydrocarbon potential of over 21 onshore blocks.

The SPA, which is valid for six months, covers an extended onshore area along the Western Australian coast between Cervantes and Eneabba, an area of 860km².

During the SPA, the firm will conduct an airborne, full tensor gradiometer survey (FTG), which will identify basement-related fault blocks and adjacent deep troughs suitable for unconventional shale gas targets.

If the FTG results are favourable, Norwest will apply for an exploration permit over the SPA area within six months.

A third-party study commissioned by the firm in mid-2010 has reported favourable indications for shale gas in two wells within the area.