Santos to Drill at Oz Southern Amadeus Farmout

Australian Santos has decided to drill a well at the Southern Amadeus farmout in the Northern Territory, Australia, and earn a 70% participating interest in the permit, partner Central Petroleum said Wednesday.

“It is expected that Santos will drill the Dukas Prospect in EP112 which will be a free carry for Central under the farmout, with drilling anticipated in the first quarter of 2019,” Central said.

If successful, the Dukas prospect could contain multiple trillions of feet³ of gas, it said.

“Two other wells in the Southern Amadeus Basin (Mt Kitty and Magee) have demonstrated a hydrocarbon system exists. Further, the presence of helium and hydrogen offers potential value add,” the company said.

Santos has elected to remain at a 40% participating interest in EP82, EP105 and EP106 with no further farmout works to be completed. Central will retain a 60% participating interest in these permits, it said.

Santos and Central entered into a farm-in agreement in September 2012 for the Southern Amadeus joint venture.