The well in PEL 16 has now been shut-in for a pressure build-up test overnight before two further zones are perforated and tested over the coming days.

"These results are likely to have significant positive implications for exploration prospectivity in the Clarence Moreton basin," managing director David Johnson said yesterday.

Metgasco had re-entered Riflebird-E14, which was drilled to a depth of 1369m, to carry out production testing on three target zones identified during previous drilling.

The company said it is likely the well only partially intersected the target Koukandowie formation due to the limits of the Ensign Rig 50, which was onsite to carry out pilot production drilling for Metgasco's coal seam methane projects.

Metgasco has a 100% interest in PEL 16.