Tap Oil updates on Maitland wells

Tap Oil Limited (Tap) provides the following information on the Maitland-2 and-3H wells which spudded on 6th September 2007. The Maitland-2 appraisal well is located in permit WA-33-R at a surface location of latitude 20°32′34.59″S and longitude 115°09′47.19″E in the Barrow Sub-basin, approximately 40 kilometres north-west of Barrow Island and 5 kilometres south-east of the John Brookes field. Maitland-3H is a horizontal side track drilled from the Maitland-2 location.

As of Wednesday 26th September evaluation of vertical well, Maitland-2, had been completed. The well was then plugged back and a core hole, Maitland-2CH, successfully drilled and conventional core over the reservoir section was recovered. A horizontal sidetrack, Maitland-3H, has subsequently been drilled to its total depth, penetrating more than 500 metres of the reservoir in the horizontal section. Good gas shows were observed during the drilling of the horizontal section.

Tap is very pleased that the appraisal of the Maitland field is progressing as planned. The results to date are consistent with the expected gas charged reservoir. Preparations are now underway to flow test the horizontal well, Maitland-3H, to establish potential development production rates for the field. The flow testing programme is expected to commence in around one week.