"There was a small delay after hook up as Duke Energy elected to replace a small section of their pipeline gathering system," Antares said.

"There will be an initial production testing phase designed to determine the optimum flow rate without damaging the reservoir."

The Ellis-2 well has exceeded initial expectations – the primary zone has not yet been completed but the well is already producing large flows from a secondary zone executive director James Cruickshank told EnergyReview.net.

“We expect flow rates of between 2 and 3 million cubic feet per day from this zone during the production testing phase until we have a better understanding of the reservoir and optimal production rates,” Cruikshank said.

“Ellis will have a significant impact on our revenues, the magnitude of which will become clear after we have established optimal flow rates and completed perforation and fracture stimulation of all production zones.”

Pipeline connections from Ellis-1 and 2 to the Oklahoma regional sales line have been completed, tested and are ready for production, according to Antares.

"Antares has finalised all aspects of the gas marketing and sales arrangements and expects the pipeline operator to commence production from its wells shortly," the company said.

Plans for the field include the re-entry and completion of the primary production zones of Ellis 1 & 2 as well as the drilling of up to another six wells this calendar year as per our indicative operational schedule.