“The well program will include the drilling out of the suspension cement plugs and the deepening of the well from the current total depth of 2,557 metres to the proposed total depth of approximately 2,733 metres measured depth in the High Cliff Sandstone,” said an Arc statement.

“The well will then be logged and wireline pressure measurements taken. If the results are encouraging the well will be completed as a potential gas producer and/or a candidate for further evaluation which may include fracture stimulation.”

The Yardarino-5 well was drilled in June 2001 as an appraisal of the Dongara Sandstone pool discovered by the Yardarino-1 well. Yardarino-5 failed to encounter hydrocarbons at the Dongara Sandstone level and was suspended in the top of the IRCM section with good gas shows.

The Yardarino-6 operation is expected to take 10 days.

“After the encouraging results of the Corybas-1 well which tested gas from the IRCM, the joint venture has agreed on an appraisal program,” said Arc managing director Eric Streitberg.

"The program entails drilling at least two more intersections of the reservoir with a testing and pressure sampling program and potentially a further evaluation program which may involve fracture stimulation or high angle drilling to establish commercial development parameters.

“Yardarino-6 is the first of the appraisal wells, and will be followed by a second appraisal well, Hakia-2, as soon as practicable after Yardarino-6, depending on rig availability.”

Arc and Origin are 50% partners.