OREANDA-NEWS.  July 27, 2012. Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) announced a natural gas discovery by its Australian subsidiary in the Greater Gorgon Area of the Carnarvon Basin, offshore Western Australia, reported the press-centre of Chevron. 

The Pontus-1 exploration well encountered approximately 97 feet (30 metres) of net gas pay. The well is located in the WA-37-L permit area in the Greater Gorgon Area gas fields, approximately 40 miles (65 kilometres) northwest of Barrow Island. The well was drilled in 690 feet (210 metres) of water to a total depth of 16,581 feet (5,054 metres). 

George Kirkland, vice chairman, Chevron Corporation, said, "The Pontus-1 discovery again highlights Chevron's exploration success as we continue building a significant natural gas position in Western Australia to supply Australia and the Asia-Pacific region."

Melody Meyer, president, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company, said, "This discovery represents our fourteenth discovery offshore north-western Australia since 2009 and will support potential future expansion opportunities for the Gorgon Project."

Chevron Australia is the operator of WA-37-L and holds a 47.3% interest in the permit. Exxon Mobil and Shell Development Australia both hold 25%, Osaka Gas holds 1.25%, Tokyo Gas holds 1% and Chubu Electric Power holds approximately 0.42%.

Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company's success is driven by the ingenuity and commitment of its employees and their application of the most innovative technologies in the world. Chevron is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. The company explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and other energy products; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.