Petratherm said problems of this nature are commonplace, particularly in areas where there has been little previous drilling to provide information on the most appropriate drilling approach.

“The drill contractor has undertaken testing of the unstable strata from which a modified drilling method has been devised to remedy the problem. Drilling will recommence in approximately one week’s time,” said a company statement.

The targeted completion of the first stage drilling in Paralana-1 well is now mid-February. Petratherm said the two-week delay would have only a minor budgetary impact.