The partners said following the completion of Hovea-7 for production, the drilling rig will move 2km west to begin drilling Eremia-1 next week. It is a possible 5-9 million barrel oil prospect.

Speaking of Hovea-7, the partners said the sidetrack has successfully proven up the southern extension of the field and is currently being completed for production.

The sidetrack encountered a 33 metre oil column in the Dongara Sandstone, as opposed to the 8m column in the original Hovea-5 intersection and the 22m column in Hovea-6.

The joint venture said Hovea-7 is expected to provide a more optimal drainage point and assist in the recovery of the reserves from the southern extension of the field.

"The sidetrack at Hovea-6 and Hovea-7 have appraised the field by a further 290m to the southeast of the original Hovea-5 intersection," said Origin's general manager of exploration, Dr Rob Willink.