The wells were drilled to target gas from multiple shale zones in a region that has produced gas for more than 100 years from this section.

All wells intersected the targeted Devonian Shale, as well as the deeper Rhinestreet Shale, with combined thickness of more than 1300-1600 feet (400-490 m), of which about 400-500 feet is considered to have the highest gas flow potential. The fifth well also intersected a prospective Berea Sandstone around a depth of 2400 feet.

“The next phase of the program will be to fracture stimulate and complete the wells,” Norwest chief executive Joe Salomon said.

“Flow rates will not be known until that has been carried out.”

The first four well locations are close to existing gas pipelines, providing an opportunity for them to be tied into the system and to generate early cash flow, the Perth-based company said.

Under a farm-in agreement, US-based operator Ascent Energy will pay Norwest and partner Alto Energy’s share of costs to drill and complete the first three wells, with Norwest paying its 29% working interest costs in the last two wells.

Salomon said Ascent, an experienced US onshore operator, was introduced to the project to build a strong local experience base and introduce techniques and technology to optimise the gas potential within the shale section.

Norwest and its partners have been steadily building its lease base in West Virginia, with about 38,000 acres leased over three West Virginia counties during the last 14 months.

The Cornstalk joint venture comprises Ascent Energy, the project operator which holds a 42% stake, Norwest (29%) and Alto Energy (29%).