Sydney-listed Strike Energy has suspended the West Erregulla-3 (WE-3) well in the Perth basin in Western Australia, it said on January 4.  

“WE3 has intercepted a very high and abnormally over-pressured Permian gas column while drilling through the Carynginia shale,” Strike said. “This unexpected significantly over-pressured gas has the potential to exceed the current design tolerances of the well and, as a consequence, WE3 will now be suspended to allow for additional engineering and procurement to be completed.” 

The company said that the Rig 970 will move to WE4 to start drilling operations as soon as possible and will return to complete drilling of WE3 later. 

Strike is partnered at the West Erregulla project with fellow Australian explorer Warrego Energy in a 50:50 equity split. The companies entered into a binding heads of agreement on October 8 for the joint development of the West Erregulla gas field. Up to three appraisal wells will be drilled in the West Erregulla field. An NGW interview with Warrego Energy CEO Dennis Donald may be read here.