PEL 456 (Upper Hunter).
PEL 456 is located in the Upper Hunter region, approximately 200 kilometres north of Sydney and covers an area of 5,853 km2. Santos is the operator of the permit, currently holding 15% equity share, which will increase to 50% upon completion of the 2011 drilling program.
Seven coreholes have already been drilled across the permit and gas content and permeability testing have been conducted on the bituminous coals that has been recorded at over 70 metres in thickness in certain areas.
MBA Petroleum Consultants have certified gross original gas-in-place (OGIP) of 30.2 Tcf, prospective resources of 13.1 Tcf and 3C resources of 0.9 Tcf. In 2H 2011, a multi-well lateral pilot program and a vertical seismic shoot is expected to take place as part of further appraisal of the permit.
