In an operational update, Odyssey described the result as a “significant milestone” coming as a result of “strong gas flows” from the first wells in the project’s development drilling program.

The new Eagon-1-7, Eagon-1-18, Dalton Counts-1 and Speed-B-6 wells are producing at a combined rate of 400,000 cubic feet per day, including some oil.

Odyssey managing director Mark O’Clery said the oil was significant as it established the first commercial oil production from the project.

“We are very encouraged by these results not only exceeding initial production expectations from our first new wells, but with strong gas flows from the Wellington Limestone and Panhandle Dolomite also opening up the potential for certification of significant new reserves for the project,” he said.

The combined flow rate from the new wells includes production from the Brown Dolomite, Panhandle Dolomite (Lower Wellington) and Upper Wellington Limestone in all wells except Dalton Counts-1.

Odyssey said completion operations were continuing, with perforation of additional zones planned including the Wellington Limestone and Panhandle Dolomite in Dalton Counts-1.

The program is essentially infill drilling surrounding some of the region's most prolific producing fields from the original 1950s through to the 1980s development of the North Bloomington, Willow and Jester-Bloomington field areas.

Operator Marion and Odyssey hold 33.3% working interest each in the Jester-Bloomington project.