PESA QLD: AGM and Technical Lunch, 22nd June : Melbana Energy in Cuba – an exploration success in the Caribbean

This month PESA Queensland welcomes Duncan Lockhart to present a technical luncheon highlighting Melbana Energy’s activities and the complex and fascinating geology of Cuba.

The Technical Lunch will be held at the Brisbane Hilton Hotel, in Room 83 (Level 8).

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the PESA QLD Branch will be hosted prior to the commencement of the Technical Lunch.

For detailed directions, see explanation below.

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

Presentation Abstract:

In September 2015 Melbana Energy was awarded the Block 9 PSC, an onshore block on the north coast of Cuba which covers over 2,344 km2. The block is 140km east of Havana in a proven hydrocarbon system and on trend with the multi-billion barrel Varadero oil field. Cuba currently produces approximately 45,000 barrels of oil per day and 3 million cubic metres of gas. Oil production meets 50% of the domestic consumption, with the balance satisfied by imports. Most of the oil industry is currently operated by the national oil company, CUPET. The Canadian company, Sherritt International, has been producing oil in Cuba for over 25 years.

The geology of northern Cuba is dominated by complex fold and thrust belt geology which has encapsulated rich source rocks, fractured carbonate reservoirs, serpentinitic shales and ophiolites. Seismic data in Block 9 is limited to various vintages of 2D data of generally poor quality. Melbana has drilled two exploration wells to date in Block 9, the first well Alameda-1 was spudded in September 2021 and drilled to a depth of 4000m. This well encountered continuous oil shows from as shallow as 400m with oil regularly flowing over the shakers while drilling. Several high-pressure zones were encountered whilst drilling reflecting the intersection of separate pressure compartments bounded by various thrust faults. A total of 218m of net log pay was encountered (precluding zones which could not be logged due to adverse hole conditions). A total of 6.4 billion barrels OOIP with 362 mmbbls of P50 prospective resource have subsequently been independently certified at Alameda based on seismic mapping and the well result. The second well Zapato-1 reached a total depth of 3700m. Oil was observed flowing over the shakers at the top of the ophiolite sequence from a fault zone indicating access to a mature oil generative system below the ophiolites, unfortunately the well reached TD still within the ophiolites, above the anticipated reservoir section. A review of the gravity and magnetic model is underway to ascertain a more favourable location for a potential Zapato follow up.

A two well appraisal campaign designed with the prime objective to obtain a measure flow rate of the Alameda numerous discovery zones is on track to spud at the end of June 2023.

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, 14 June 11:30 PM  after which, standard pricing will come into effect.

Final numbers to venue required by Monday, 19 June 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.

PESA QLD 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the PESA QLD Branch will be hosted prior to the commencement of the Technical Lunch.

Members are encouraged to attend the AGM to have their say with the PESA QLD committee.

PESA QLD are always interested to have active involvement from our membership… and what better way than to take up a position on the PESA QLD Committee!  Interested members who are keen to become a committee member are encouraged to lodge a nomination form (see link below).  Any member is invited to nominate for any of the available roles detailed on the Nomination form.  Any questions, please email qld-secretary@pesa.com.au

Please find below the requisite AGM governance documents for distribution to members, provided at least 21 days ahead of the AGM as required by the PESA Constitution:

Agenda AGM 2023
Proxy Form
Minutes of 2022 AGM
Nomination form
2022 President’s Report

The venue location can be accessed by two means:

1) Entry from Queen Street Mall
Take the lifts to Level 6, and walk to the guest lifts located in the centre of the main atrium and take the lift to Level 8. Delegates will need to turn left out of the guest lifts and walk down the hallway to Room 83.

2) Entry from Elizabeth Street
Enter the foyer located on 190 Elizabeth Street, and take the lifts to Level 6 (Main Foyer). Walk to the guest lifts located in the centre of the main atrium and take the lift to Level 8. Delegates will need to turn left out of the guest lifts and walk down the hallway to Room 83.

Keep track of upcoming PESA QLD Events: Click here to view PESA QLD Events Calendar on the web Click here to subscribe to PESA QLD Events by adding it to your Google Calendar