Chevron wins block off northwest Australia

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Feb. 1 -- Chevron Corp. subsidiary Chevron Australia Pty. Ltd. and partners have received exploration rights to Block W05-16 in the Carnarvon basin off northwest Australia.

The W05-16 permit covers 1,020 sq miles. The Carnarvon basin includes the North West Shelf and Greater Gorgon area. The new acreage is adjacent to the gas fields of the Gorgon project.

The 3-year work program for the permit area includes geotechnical studies, 1,500 miles of 2D seismic data reprocessing, a 695 sq mile 3D seismic survey, and the drilling of two exploration wells. Seismic work will begin this year. There is potential for another 3-year work program, Chevron said.

Chevron will operate the block and hold a 50% interest. Shell Development Australia and ExxonMobil Corp. each will hold a 25% interest