OREANDA-NEWS. August 06, 2013. Australia-listed Carnarvon Petroleum said an appraisal well in Thailand will soon be placed onto production after hitting hydrocarbons while drilling.

The WBEXT-2C well, located in the L44/43 concession, was spudded on 16 July and reached a total depth of 1235 metres on Saturday.

Carnarvon said Monday that the well encountered the WBV1 target igneous at about 900 metres downhole, as predicted. Oil shows were interpreted across this 20-metre interval.

The WBV2 target igneous was hit at about 1200 metres down but while gas shows were present, there were no oil shows.

Carnarvon also said two shallower igneous intervals were encountered with good indications of permeability.

WBEXT-2C will now be cleaned up and tested, after which it is expected to be placed onto production.

“The testing will commence with the deepest igneous sections and is anticipated to take some weeks to complete testing of all reservoir horizons encountered,” Carnarvon said in a statement.

The L44/43 concession is operated by ECO Environmental Investments, a subsidiary of Hong Kong & China Gas, with a 60% stake. Carnarvon holds the remaining 40% interest.