Publication Name: The Canning Basin, W.A.
Authors: Simon M. Ashton
Date Published: December 1984
Number of Pages: 22
Reference Type: Book Section
Abstract:
Western Mining Corporation Limited is the operator on behalf of itself, Poseidon Oil Limited and AustralianHydrocarbons N .L. in petroleum exploration permit areas (EP) 143 and 225 in the central Canning Basin. The area is remote and was virtually unexplored with only four wells in 32,000 sq. km prior to WMC's acquisition of the permits in 1979.
Existing seismic and geological data indicated numerous potential oil plays in carbonates, siliciclastics and associated sediments but WMC considered that these could not be adequately assessed by a few conventional
wells. It was decided that the most effective method to evaluate the area was to combine seismic surveying with a stratigraphic drilling programme of fully cored holes, using mineral drilling ("slim hole") rigs adapted for oil field conditions.
This paper discusses the philosophy, application and evaluation of "slim hole" wells in oil exploration. It emphasises the importance of continuous core in the understanding of carbonates and associated sediments.
Although the technique is not new, we believe it should be considered and more widely applied in petroleum
exploration.