The decision to drill a pilot hole was based on the expected fracture nature of the shallow geological formations, and the ability to better control the drilling in a smaller size hole, the company said.
Currently the well is drilling ahead at approximately 1,300mt through the top boundary of the Cretaceous age formations. The company believes there could be up to three potential reservoirs in the Cretaceous with the Shiranish formation being the uppermost perspective reservoir.
During the past several days, drilling gas shows have been observed, which is an encouraging indication of hydrocarbons being present in the well bore, Vast Exploration said.
The well plan is to drill through the Shiranish formation and upon positive indications an open hole DST test will be planned. Then the plan is to continue drilling to evaluate the prospectivity of the Kometan and Qamchuqa horizons in the Cretaceous.
Drilling is expected to take an additional three months to complete and will target up to seven potential reservoirs in the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic formations.
