• The Bambo-1ST1 side-track well has been drilled to a total depth of 3317 metres MDBRT (measured depth
• below rotary table) and drilling operations are nearing conclusion
• Oil shows and potential reservoirs were encountered
• No live oil columns are present
• The oil shows indicate further hydrocarbon potential nearby and in the wider A2 and A5 blocks 

FAR Limited (ASX:FAR) announces that it has concluded the drilling and formation evaluation operations for the Bambo-1ST1 well offshore The Gambia.

Bambo-1 was initially drilled to a depth of 3216m MDBRT and wireline logging data was obtained. The Bambo1 well was then plugged and the Bambo-1ST1 (side-track) well drilled to a depth of 3317m MDBRT after which, wireline loggings were conducted.

The drilling and logging data obtained on the main well and the side-track well indicates that several target intervals in the well had oil shows, confirming a prolific oil source is present in the area. Samples were recovered from several levels. The presence or otherwise of any oil will be confirmed by laboratory analysis.

The side-track well was planned to be drilled to the final total depth through all target reservoirs and also to intersect zones of interest from the main well in a different location which will provide additional data and to sample potential oil. Interpretation of the cuttings and wireline logging information indicates that these zones have been charged with oil in rather poor-quality reservoirs and in traps that might have been breached, leaving behind some residual oils in the reservoirs.

The side-track well also intersected oil shows in the Soloo Deep units not previously encountered by the original well or other wells in the area. The oil shows encountered were persistent over several hundred metres, confirming access to the prolific oil-generative kitchen is present which may open additional material exploration opportunities and running room in both the A2 and A5 Blocks.

The drilling operations of the Bambo-1 well and Bambo-1ST1 side-track well were conducted safely and within the amended budget. The well and side-track are being plugged and abandoned consistent with the planned well abandonment program for this type of exploration well.

Cath Norman, FAR Managing Director said, 
“Although no moveable oil was interpreted, FAR is encouraged to have encountered good oil shows and potential reservoirs in the Bambo-1 well and Bambo-1ST1 side-track. The project has provided significant geological information, including new play types, that reaffirms the potential of further hydrocarbon prospects in the A2 and A5 blocks in the Gambia. Bambo-1 and the side-track have confirmed that all of the requisite petroleum system elements are present in the area and the technical team is already busy integrating the new data and high-grading future prospects.” 

KeyFacts Energy: FAR Limited Gambia country profile