Australian oil and gas exploration and production company Cooper Energy announced the suspension of drilling at the Menzel Horr-1 well in Tunisia with it being secured following the recent civil unrest in the country and declaration of a state of emergency on Friday. The company said that it has invoked force majeure has been invoked.
The onshore well which is situated on the coast, had reached a depth of 1,225m. The first target (Ain Grab) was encountered at 1,138m. Trace oil indications were noted over the intervals 1,138-1,145m, 1,165-1,180m and 1,220-1,225m.
Mud gas levels remained low and, in Cooper’s opinion, these hydrocarbon indications are unlikely to represent the presence of movable hydrocarbons, however, electric wireline logging is required to confirm this opinion. Any logging will be carried out once drilling operations recommence, the company said in a statement.
Suspension of the well will enable re-entry as soon as normal operating conditions resume. It is expected that the rig will remain in location pending recommencement of drilling.
Cooper Energy, the drilling contractor and service companies will continue to monitor the situation.
Further announcements will be made as operational conditions change, the company said.
Participants in the Menzel Horr-1 well are Cooper Energy (85%) and Jacka Resources (15%).
