Perth-based Orchard said on Friday the Kenai Rig-3 rig has drilled the South Buckeye 1-18 well to a depth of about 2003 feet (610.5m) and was in the process of setting surface casing.

The drilling is expected to take about 15 days to reach a total depth of 9400ft, the company said.

The rig will then be moved to the Heavenly 2-28 well, which is expected to take the same amount of time to reach 9600ft.

Both wells are targeting possible gas-bearing stratigraphic traps in the Forbes Formation, a prolific gas reservoir in the region, and the prospects are analogous to the gas discoveries made at Livingstone’s producing wells Larner 1-12 and 2-12 wells.

Once the prospects are drilled, operator Orchard Petroleum and Livingstone will evaluate the results and schedule the next phase of the drilling program.

Livingstone said two follow-on targets at Buckeye and Heavenly have been identified and permitted for drilling if the initial wells are successful.

Prospects at Armstrong and Alpine Meadows have also been identified and permitted as part of the planned six-well drilling program.

Livingstone said in addition to the Forbes formation, the joint venture has identified “significant” prospects in the shallower Starkey/Winters formations around 4000ft and deeper Guinda Formation below 9000ft.

Both Orchard and Livingstone have a 50% interest in the wells.