Australian Oil Boosts Surat Basin Output with Emu Apple-1 Gains and Riverslea Upgrades
Australian Oil Co has lifted production at its Emu Apple-1 well to 15–20 barrels of dry oil per day post-acid wash, while advancing infrastructure upgrades at Riverslea and preparing Major Gas Field for near-term output.
- Emu Apple-1 producing 15–20 barrels daily with zero water cut
- Hydraulic pumping planned for Emu Apple-2 and Emu Apple-3
- Riverslea facilities undergoing upgrades for imminent restart
- Major Gas Field infrastructure ready for gas production
- Strategic Surat Basin exploration and development progressing
Emu Apple-1 Production Surges After Acid Wash
Australian Oil Co (ASX:AOK) has reported a marked improvement at its Emu Apple-1 well in the Surat Basin, now delivering a steady flow of 15 to 20 barrels of dry oil per day following a successful acid wash intervention. The well’s water cut has dropped from 30% to zero, a significant operational win that suggests the reservoir is cleaning up effectively and production could ramp further.
Field measurements indicate fluid levels stand more than 100 metres above the pump intake, pointing to untapped capacity for higher pump rates. This operational insight provides a clear pathway for the company to boost output without immediate new drilling.
Expansion Plans for Emu Apple Wells
Building on this momentum, Australian Oil is preparing similar interventions at Emu Apple-2 and Emu Apple-3, with surveys completed and plans underway to install hydraulic pumping units. These moves aim to replicate the success at Emu Apple-1 and maximise recovery across the PL 264 licence.
Riverslea Facilities Poised for Production Restart
Meanwhile, the Riverslea Production Facilities (PL 30) are undergoing a suite of upgrades to support an imminent field restart. The company is remediating evaporation ponds, enhancing roads and gates, and upgrading water separation tanks. These infrastructure improvements are critical for ensuring robust and efficient operations as production scales up.
Plans are also in place to reactivate Riverslea-1 with a hydraulic pumping unit and target free flow production from Riverslea-3. Notably, spare pumps and flowlines from Emu Apple are being redeployed to Riverslea, reflecting a strategic approach to capital expenditure and operational synergies between the fields.
Major Gas Field Infrastructure Ready for Near-Term Production
At the Major Gas Field (PL 512), Australian Oil has assessed and readied key infrastructure, including the Major-4 wellhead and associated equipment. The Boxley pipeline connection to the Silver Springs Gas Plant has been evaluated, with custody points and emergency shutdown systems identified and installed. These developments clear the way for gas production to commence in the near future, adding a new dimension to the company’s Surat Basin portfolio.
Strategic Exploration and Portfolio Growth
Exploration efforts continue across Greater Riverslea, with field surveys improving access and enabling further prospect and lead mapping within PL 30. This groundwork supports the company’s broader Surat Basin strategy, which includes targeted due diligence on acquisition opportunities to consolidate and optimise its basin-wide assets.
Managing Director Kane Marshall highlighted the operational strides made, emphasising the company’s focus on efficient field management and value creation. As Australian Oil advances production and infrastructure upgrades, the Surat Basin stands as a central pillar in its growth ambitions.
Bottom Line?
Sustained production improvements and strategic infrastructure upgrades position Australian Oil for a potentially stronger Surat Basin output phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can hydraulic pumping at Emu Apple-2 and Emu Apple-3 translate into increased production?
- What timeline is Australian Oil targeting for gas production startup at the Major Gas Field?
- Will the redeployment of equipment between fields deliver meaningful capital savings and operational efficiencies?
