Australia's TMK drills final well at Mongolia CBM project

TMK Energy on May 30 said that the third and final well has been drilled at the Gurvantes XXXV coalbed methane (CBM) project in Mongolia.

The well, named Lucky Fox - 3, has intersected approximately 68 m of gassy coal, the thickest coal interval among the three wells. Each of the three wells has intersected over 60 m of gassy coal, which is considered exceptionally thick for a CBM project, TMK said.

The next stage of the pilot well programme involves the installation of pumps and other surface facilities, including metering skids and flare lines, which are expected to be completed by early July. Following this, the pilot well pumps will be commissioned, and the dewatering process will begin in a controlled manner. The first breakthrough of gas is anticipated within one or two months after the wells are placed on the pump.

The programme is primarily funded by ASX-listed Talon Energy which last year exercised an option to take a 33% interest in the production sharing agreement over the Gurvantes XXXV project and entered into a joint venture with TMK, which holds the balance of 67% interest and is the operator of the project.