PESA QLD: Lunch Presentation, 21st July – Mike Martin and Justin Gorton

This month PESA Queensland welcomes Mike Martin and Justin Gorton to present a technical luncheon entitled “Transformation of Australia’s first commercial CSG field into a major gas project: How drilling innovation and subsurface understanding have driven success”.

The Technical Lunch will be held at the Brisbane Hilton Hotel, in the Victoria Room with access from the Hilton Main Foyer on Level 6.

For detailed directions, see explanation below.

Please note the Early Bird ticket pricing cut-off times described below.

Presentation Abstract:

Transformation of Australia’s first commercial CSG field into a major gas project: How drilling innovation and subsurface understanding have driven success

Note this talk is a much extended version of what was recently presented at APPEA.

The discovery of coal seam gas (CSG) in what was known as Dawson Valley Area dates to 1991, when it was operated by Mt Isa Mines. It was the first commercial coal seam gas field in Australia, with production and sales of gas commencing in 1996, then operated by Conoco and known as Meridian SeamGas.

In 2010, Westside Corporation transitioned from explorer to producer by acquiring a 51% operating interest in Meridian SeamGas from Anglo American (Anglo) and Mitsui Moura Investment Pty Ltd (MMI). Over the last 10 years that Westside has taken production from <5 terajoules per day (TJ/D) to 42 TJ/D with gas being sold to both domestic and export markets. Further acreage acquisition to the north and south effectively doubled the asset; now known as The Greater Meridian Fields.

The steep rise in gas demand, complex market dynamics, regulatory environment, and competition from large global oil and gas operators makes it a challenging environment for smaller gas producers in Australia. The ability to remain agile and employ innovative approaches to optimize field development are key success factors for Westside’s growth. In particular, the utilisation of pad-based drilling of multi-lateral wells has reduced cost and surface footprint, whilst enabling more efficient drainage of reservoirs.

To support these approaches in field development, a more robust subsurface framework was required. Adequate knowledge on the distribution and variability of coal thickness, gas content/composition, structure, geomechanics, and geohazards forms the basis of the static model. It is used both for resource definition and for the optimal planning and execution of multi-lateral wells; reducing drilling risks.

This talk will describe elements of the subsurface static model, the advancement of drilling and completion approaches and how these have contributed to further optimization of economic development and production of gas from the Greater Meridian Fields.

Tickets for the Technical Luncheon can be purchased below.

Please be advised of the early bird cut-off date.

Early bird pricing will remain available up until Wednesday, 13 July 11:30 PM after which, standard pricing will come into effect.

Final numbers to venue required by Monday, 18 July 12:00 PM – To avoid disappointment please register before that date and time.

Registrants may elect to book a ‘Talk Only’ ticket below.  Chairs will be made available at the back of the room for members wishing to attend the presentation.

Talk Only tickets are free of charge, however, no refreshments or lunch is included.

The venue location can be accessed by two means:

1) Entry from Queen Street Mall
Enter the lifts located just to the left of Mick O’Malley’s Irish Pub, and take the lifts to Level 6.  Once you exit the lifts, the Victoria Room is immediately to the left.

2) Entry from Elizabeth Street
Enter the foyer located on 190 Elizabeth Street, and take the lifts to Level 6 (Main Foyer).  The Victoria Room is located in the back of the main foyer towards the right as you walk past Vintaged Restaurant.

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