The Wonnich Deep target lies beneath the producing Wonnich Flag gas reservoir.

The well, being drilled from the existing Wonnich platform in Production Licence TL/8, reached 4100m before drilling was interrupted by the passage of Cyclone George.

Once the rig is re-manned, drilling will re-start towards the primary objective in the Upper Jurassic Dupuy Sandstone, which is a preven reservoir in the Carnarvon Basin. Results from this test are expected in the next 10-14 days, Tap said.

The Perth-based mid-cap described the unswept gas zone in the Flag as a “positive result”, exceeding previous expectations.

“It is possible that the gas in this part of the field is in a separate compartment from the gas currently being accessed by the Wonnich-1 production well,” Tap said.

“The gas identified in the Wonnich Deep-1 well will have a positive effect on reserves estimates for the Wonnich producing field.”

The Harriet Joint Venture includes operator Apache Northwest (68.5%), Kufpec Australia 19.2771% and Tap 12.2229%.