Eni Australia Commits to Drill Offshore Blackwood-2 Well

MEO Australia revealed Monday that Eni Australia has agreed to proceed with the drilling of the Blackwood-2 exploration well to evaluate the gas potential of the Blackwood area.

Discovered in early 2008, the Blackwood-1 well encountered a 161 foot (49 meter) gross gas column. Initial gas analysis confirmed that the gas is relatively dry and contains carbon dioxide levels in the 25 percent to 30 percent range; the gas is deemed to be suitable for methanol production.

Immediately following the discovery, MEO bought new seismic data over part of the structure. Eni completed the Bathurst 3D seismic survey covering the Blackwood East structure, acquiring 766 square kilometers of 3D data.

MEO has a 50 percent participating interest in Blackwood-2, which will be fully funded by Eni including production testing. Eni has 18 months from the date of election to drill Blackwood-2.

The Blackwood discovery is located in permit NT/P68 offshore Australia in 200 feet (61 meters) of water. Eni Australia is the operator of the permit.