PESA WA July Evening talk: Major geological surfaces of the Exmouth Plateau From the new BEX MC3D reprocessed seismic data Impact on exploration and field development

Feng Xu Jian, Molyneux Advisors, Perth, W.A., Australia*

Stephen Doyle, Multi-Client Resources, Perth, W.A., Australia

Abstract: The Barrow Sub-Basin and Exmouth Plateau, of Australia's North West Shelf, contain Australia’s largest gas reserves, underpinning the three major LNG facilities, including Gorgon, Wheatstone, and Pluto. In addition, there remains significant near-field exploration potential. While there is full 3D seismic coverage in the basin, the existing 3D surveys are of different vintages covering only parts of the basin with diverse acquisition and processing parameters. Multi-Client Resources has produced an extensive 3D seismic reprocessing project (BEX-MC3D) incorporating 23 legacy 3D surveys to provide a seamless 25,570 km 2 3D dataset. The BEX-MC3D was processed from field tape through DUG Technology’s advanced Broadband PreSDM processing sequence with Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) imaging. The BEX-MC3D provides one continuous superlative 3D dataset covering almost the entire Barrow Sub-Basin and the Exmouth Plateau. Major geological surfaces corresponding to key tectonic events from overburden to reservoirs have been interpreted from the BEX-MC3D Priority area in the current study. These high-fidelity imaged surfaces form a basin-wide framework for 1) rapid exploration lead and prospect identification through the creation of trap and reservoir visualisations; 2) improved reservoir connectivity analysis and modelling of producing and discovered fields to support better reservoir management and field development decisions; and 3) improved understanding of basin-burial history for reservoir quality and geo-mechanical property prediction. This paper will present and discuss major geological surfaces in the context of future exploration lead/prospect identification, reservoir characterisation for field development and management, and improving overall understanding of the basin history.