Operator WestSide said the Mitchell Rig 113 on Monday evening started drilling the Paranui-7 well, which will serve as an observation well for the three upcoming appraisal wells.
One well, Paranui-4, would be completed for a short production test before all three were fracture stimulated, it said.
WestSide said it expected to start putting the wells on extended production test in October.
The company is operating and funding the pilot program so it can earn a 50% interest in ATP769P from Sunshine.
