Joint Dallas Geological & Dallas Geophysical Society Luncheon.

Talk Abstract

The Beetaloo sub-basin is a structurally formed remnant of the greater McArthur Basin, filled with relatively undisturbed Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic sediments. The target source rock intervals of the Beetaloo sub-basin are found within the Mesoproterozoic Roper Group, a thick sedimentary package consisting of quartz sandstones, siltstones, and organic-rich siliceous mudstones.

Exploration by Tamboran Resources and others in the basin suggests the presence of a world-class gas play. The key self-sourcing reservoir is the Mesoproterozoic age Velkerri Formation (~1.4 Ga), which may be the oldest productive petroleum system in the world. To date, only a handful of horizontal wells have been drilled and tested in the basin. Most have targeted the Middle Velkerri B shale, which is considered the most prospective of the stacked, organic-rich shales of the Roper Group, and is estimated to contain >200 TCF of recoverable gas resources. There is an estimated additional 100-200 TCF of recoverable gas resources within three other shale targets. Delineating the play boundaries of an unconventional shale is a relatively easy task, as the area is defined by meeting certain rock property thresholds (e.g., TOC, depth, thickness, thermal maturity). Defining the sweet spot is much more involved, requiring an understanding of how to appropriately weight rock and reservoir properties at the basin scale of observation. To date, Tamboran is responsible for drilling and testing the four highest-rate wells in the basin, all within the emerging, nearly 2MM-acre sweet spot.

The remote setting of the Beetaloo and lack of infrastructure are the main hurdles to overcome on the pathway to development and commercialization. The recent influx of U.S. shale drilling and completion expertise, led by Tamboran, has already demonstrated marked improvements in drilling times and completions efficiencies. Moreover, recent U.S. investment capital has been secured, a further demonstration of increasing confidence in the viability of the play. With the completion of a gas processing facility and pipeline connector, Tamboran is set to deliver first gas by Q3 of this year.

Speaker Bio Donny Loughry is a Senior Manager, Geoscience and Technical Advisor at Tamboran Resources.  He has 15 years of experience in unconventional shale plays in the US and Australia, much of which he gained while working at Pioneer Natural Resources where he focused on geologic, petrophysical, and geomechanical characterization and analysis for exploration, appraisal, drilling optimization, and development of Pioneer’s unconventional assets and interests (Barnett Shale, Spraberry, Wolfcamp, Eagle Ford, Appalachian Basin).  He joined Tamboran Resources in 2021 where he is focused on exploring for hydrocarbons in the gas-rich Beetaloo sub-basin in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Questions?

Contact Alex Blizzard, Dallas Geological President: alex.blizzard@spglobal.com

Contact Rob Hull, Dallas Geophysical Vice President: Robert.Hull2015@outlook.com