Talon Energy Ltd (ASX:TPD)’s partner TMK Energy Ltd has completed drilling operations for Gurvantes XXXV CSG Project’s pilot production well in the South Gobi Basin of Mongolia, with all three wells drilled safely, on time and on budget.
Each well intersected at least 60 metres of gassy coal, with the third and final well, Lucky Fox-3, notably intersecting the thickest coal seam of the trio, around 68 metres, rounding off the drilling program on a high note.
Looking ahead, the first gas breakthrough is expected within one to two months, marking another major milestone in the project.
Safe on time and on budget
Talon managing director and CEO Colby Hauser said: We are very pleased to report that our three-well drilling campaign at Gurvantes has been drilled safely, on time and budget.
“Credit to our Joint Venture Partner TMK Energy and drilling contractor Major Drilling for their successful completion.
“Having penetrated at least 60 metres of gassy net coal is an outstanding result for all three wells and bodes well for the subsequent production test which will assess if the project can deliver gas at commercial rates.
“We look forward to the final stages of the Pilot Well Program over the coming months and are optimistic about dewatering the wells and flowing gas to surface.”
Forward plan
With the drilling phase complete, drilling contractor Major Drilling has started the process of demobilising the rig from the site.
Nevertheless work continues, with pump installation and surface facilities development scheduled throughout June.
Upon commissioning the pumps, the dewatering process is set to begin in a controlled manner.
The wealth of data collected from the drilling program will be integrated into a comprehensive geological model.
This information will be used in the coming weeks to optimise pump speeds and further streamline the dewatering process.