The Australian company that inherited a large discovered shale gas resource in the Nappamerri Trough of the Cooper basin has started rehabilitating the old discovery wells.

Icon Energy took over 100% of Block ATP 855 several years ago when Beach Energy withdrew. It is the same permit in which Chevron was once a joint venture partner.

ATP 855 contains the Halifax-1, Hervey-1, Keppel-1, Redland-1 Etty-1 and Geoffrey-1 shale gas discoveries made by Beach.

Icon has said previously the discoveries contain 1.57 trillion cubic feet of gas on a best estimate contingent basis.

A programme to rehabilitate the old discovery wells was delayed last year by equipment manufacture and Covid-19 delays, but began on 30 December 2020.

Icon said in its latest update the first well - Halifax-1 - was successfully plugged over the deep gas zones, but there was a significant blow-out in time and the well was suspended for later testing.

A coil tubing unit then mobilised to Redland-1 which was successfully plugged.

The CTU was then repositioned on Halifax to test the gas flow from the Callamurra sandstone. The wellhead had just been serviced but was found to be leaking a small amount of gas.

As a safety measure, it was decided that the wellhead should be shut in and the valves removed to Roma for re-conditioning.

"While it is disappointing that the program is further delayed it is essential to put safety first and suspend the remaining program on the other three wells. A new timetable will be announced when this work is completed," said Icon.

Shale

Aussie shale gas operator to rescue old discovery wells