Elixir plans expansion of pilot wells at Mongolia CBM project

Sydney-listed Elixir Energy on March 15 announced its intention to potentially add one or two additional pilot wells at the Nomgon coalbed methane (CBM) project in Mongolia. This move aims to accelerate the de-pressurisation process and enhance operational efficiency at the project site.

The primary objective in Mongolia currently revolves around the continuous de-pressurisation of the gas-bearing coal reservoir through the systematic pumping of water. Notably, recent efforts have included the overhaul of one of the pilot wells, Nomgon-10, where a larger downhole pump has been installed. This upgrade has resulted in increased water rates, indicative of progress in the de-pressurisation endeavour, the company said.

Elixir said its engineering team is managing the pilot plant to optimise water production, thereby expediting the time required to achieve desorption pressure. 

“Data analysis from the Nomgon field indicates that steady progress is being made in reducing the reservoir pressure required to reach the gas desorption pressure. The company is currently considering adding one or two additional pilot wells at the project with a view to increasing the pace of the de-pressurisation process,” Elixir said. 

Elixir holds a 100% ownership stake in the Nomgon IX CBM production sharing contract, located in the South Gobi basin in Mongolia.