Perth-based Aurora today said the testing program will involve high-density perforation of the production casing over selected intervals in the lower part of the well.

“Subject to results, the program could be amended, including extended flow-testing of zones, but is expected to take up to two months to be completed,” the company said.

Several encouraging gas shows were encountered while drilling at the well, both in the primary target formation and in Cretaceous-aged carbonates at shallower depths.

Following wireline log interpretation, the Sugarloaf joint venture decided to run and cement a production liner and develop a program for the fracture stimulation and testing of the zones of potential interest in the primary target formation.

Sugarloaf-1 partners are Texas Crude Energy (operator with a 41.5% stake), Aurora (20%), Adelphi Energy (20%), Eureka Energy (12.5%) and Empyrean Energy (6%).