CASE HISTORY — MEREENIE FIELD

Abstract

The Mereenie field was discovered by Exoil N.L. and its partners in February, 1964, when the wildcat well Mereenie No. 1 encountered large flows of natural gas.

The field is located in the central western portion of the Amadeus Basin. Exploration work prior to the drilling of this well consisted of surface geological surveys with limited gravity and seismic surveys.

Mereenie No. 1 was the third wildcat well drilled in the basin by Exoil and its partners. Difficult drilling, combined with unusual subsurface conditions led to the use of air and later gas drilling techniques. An oil leg was penetrated during subsequent appraisal drilling on the field.

Seven wells have been drilled to date. The in-place reserves of oil in the more porous zones are approximately 300 million barrels whilst the in-place gas reserves in the same zones exceed 500 billion cubic feet.