INTEGRATED PETROLEUM EXPLORATION PROGRAM — EP- 20, AMADEUS BASIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Abstract

Recon Exploration Pty Ltd is conducting an integrated petroleum exploration program covering the EF- 20 Concession. It utilises several effective, unconventional methods, including photogeology/geomorphology, remote hydrocarbon sensing and surface geochemical prospecting.

The probability of wildcat drilling success is enhanced by several recent developments of prospecting methods being applied in EP20. One of these involves geomorphic detection of diagenetic induration of near- surface sediments over both structural and stratigraphic petroleum- bearing traps believed to be caused by products of bacterial alteration of hydrocarbon micro- seepages. The new giant Alabama Ferry Field strati- graphic trap in Texas showed strong stream drainage deflection anomalies which correlated strongly with the most productive regions of the field. The use of recently available high- resolution Russian satellite photography has disclosed untested similar anomalies in EP20 in the Amadeus Basin. Interstitial soil gas hydrocarbon surveys have been supplemented by simultaneous soil magnetic susceptibility measurements which have been found to complement and fill in some gaps in the soil gas anomalies.

At the time of writing, the photogeologic and geomorphic study is complete and it has disclosed many promising areas for further investigation. Of them, 20- 25 per cent have been surveyed using Recon Exploration's helicopter- borne microwave spectrometer hydrocarbon sensor, finding 14 prospects for surface geochemical study and validation. Preliminary surface surveys have demonstrated active hydrocarbon micro- seepages over the 'benchmark' fields — Mereenie, Dingo and Palm Valley — and have covered six of the airborne hydrocarbon anomalies. Twenty- five designated areas remain to be prospected.