Strata-X Energy (TSX-V:SXE) (ASX:SXA) has completed drilling operations on its Rohweder #1-11 well, the first proof of concept well on the Company’s 120,000 net acre Sleeping Giant Gas Project in North Dakota.
In drilling the vertical Well to a total depth of 1,450 feet, gas shows were encountered immediately after penetrating the regional hydrocarbon seal.
In total, gas shows were encountered over an 80 foot interval of the targeted Niobrara formation, with gas shows peaking at approximately 300 units over a background of 25 units.
In drilling portions of the targeted Niobrara formation, oil fluorescence and oil cut were also observed.
The Well is currently being logged in preparation for setting casing to total depth. After casing, the Well will be shut-in to await completion stimulation.
This will allow the Company time to design an optimal method utilising data obtained during the drilling of the Well.
It is anticipated that three additional wells may be drilled on other large prospects mapped over the Sleeping Giant Gas Project later this year following successful production testing of this Well.
The Sleeping Giant Gas Project is targeting biogenic natural gas from the prolific Upper Cretaceous Niobrara formation in the Williston Basin, North Dakota.
The Niobrara Formation is a significant petroleum system in the USA and has produced over 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas from shallow accumulations including the project’s geologic analogue, the Beecher Island field in the Denver-Julesburg Basin.
To date, the Beecher Island field has produced over 101 Bcf of natural gas and is expected to ultimately produce 157 Bcf within an area spanning 32 square miles.
A field analysis done by Walt King shows that reserves per well average 640,000 Mcf on 160 acre spacing in the Beecher Island Gas Field.
It is expected that the Sleeping Giant Gas Project could yield similar economic resources per well due to similar geologic conditions.