Alange Energy has said that the Copa-1 well, drilled to explore the prospectivity of the Carbonera C5, C7 and C3 formations in Polygon C of the Cubiro Block, has encountered 13ft of net oil sand in the first tested interval of C5.

Production tests have shown an initial production rate of 854 barrels per day of 40.4 degrees API oil with 0.6% BS&W, on natural flow. This discovery represents the continuation of a successful exploration campaign in the Cubiro Block, located in the Llanos Basin of Colombia, and merits an evaluation aimed at separate development programs for this reservoir, the company said.

The Copa-1 is a vertical exploration well, drilled to a final depth of 6,383ft true vertical depth sub-sea (TVD SS). It found the top of the Carbonera C5 sandstones at a depth of 4,400ft TVDSS. The company plans to immediately continue testing the well on the remaining prospective horizons, Carbonera C3 and C7 formations.

The top of the Carbonera C3 sandstones was found at a depth of 4,230ft TVDSS, while the top of the Carbonera C7 sandstones was found at a depth of 4,717ft TVDSS, with petrophysical evidence showing 21ft and 10ft of net pay respectively for a total vertical oil column in the three zones of 44ft. All three formations are new discoveries within the Cubiro Block.

Preliminary petrophysical evaluation of the well data indicated a net pay zone of 13ft with porosities of 28% in the Carbonera C5 formation.

If Copa-1 were completed on C5, using an electro-submersible pump, the company simulation projects 1,300 barrels per day of production at 30Hz of frequency.

As a result of the Copa-1 discoveries, and in order to determine the extent of this new find, the company has decided to expedite its appraisal drilling plan, which will include a minimum of two additional wells: Copa-2 and Copa-3, already on Alange Energy’s drilling schedule to spud on May 20 and June 21, respectively.