Juniper is testing a possible extension of the Flax field six kilometres to the east. If successful in finding oil it would change the whole economics of the fledgling company’s two discovery wells.

A recent test to the south, Willowie-1, yielded oil but unstable well bore conditions and a tight reservoir led the company, along with 65% partner Vernon E Faulconer, to abandon the well.

The well will be drilled to around 2800 metres and would take two weeks to reach the target depth.