CBM Asia reports significant increase in gas content in Indonesian block

CBM Asia Development Corp. has been informed by the operator Newton Energy Capital Ltd that final gas content lab reports have been completed for the first coalbed methane (CBM) exploration test well (CBM-KW-02) at the Kutai West coalbed methane production sharing contract (Kutai West CBM PSC) block in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. CBM Asia holds an 18% working interest in the Kutai West CBM PSC.

“These final gas content results are significantly above our expectations,” noted Scott Stevens, chairman of CBM Asia. “We look forward to confirming these results in the second CBM test well currently being drilled. The test results are supported by Dart Energy’s exploration results at the Sangatta West PSC to the north and VICO’s Sanga-Sanga PSC which lies adjacent to the east.”

Independent Australian-based contractor GeoGAS desorbed a total of 17 samples from the CBM-KW-02 well. Gas content of pure coal samples (ash content less than 15%) ranged from 7.31 – 8.27 m³/t when reported on a dry, ash-free basis. Gas quality was excellent, averaging 96% methane with less than 3% CO₂ and other inerts. Sorption isotherm data indicate the coals are close to saturated with methane.

In March, the drilling rig spud the second of four planned core wells at the Kutai West PSC and is currently drilling ahead below 500 m. CBM Asia notes that VICO Indonesia, operated by BP and ENI, as well as the Indonesian government have reported that commercial CBM production began in March 2011 from the adjoining Sanga-Sanga PSC and is being exported from the Bontang LNG facility to North Asian consumers.

Adapted from a press release by Lauren Bryant

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