Rawson Resources to Assess Unconventional Potential of Its Otway Basin Permits

Australia focused Rawson Resources will undertake a seismic reprocessing program to better evaluate the unconventional potential of its exploration licences following the recent successful drilling activity in adjacent exploration licences in the Otway Basin.

The seismic reprocessing program will comprise selective 2D seismic lines for regional context and may include 3D seismic data, the company said. The program will focus on the deeper stratigraphic interval, and in particular Pretty Hill and Casterton formations and will tie its licences with the recent drilling.

Rawson Resources holds the only access point into the Penola Trough, outside of acreage held by Beach Energy and Cooper Energy.

According to Rawson, Penola Trough has attracted considerable attention following positive drilling results from a two well program undertaken in adjacent blocks by Beach Energy (Jolly-1 and Bungaloo-1 wells).

These wells targeted conventional and unconventional prospectivity in the deeper parts of the Penola Trough, and in particular the Pretty Hill and Casterton formations.

Rawson's licence, PEL 155 is well positioned over the deeper part of the trough, the company announced.

The primary targets for shale exploration within the western Otway Basin are the thick non-marine Sawpit and Casterton shales, according to Rawson’s website. They have good shale oil and gas potential in the deeper parts of the basin, including the Robe, Penola, Rivoli and St Clair troughs. There is also tight gas potential in the Pretty Hill Formation.