Chevron Corp. brough in a significant natural gas discovery at its Clio-1 exploration well located 90 miles (150 km) offshore northwestern Australia in permit WA-205-P. The Clio-1 well was completed in September 2006 and was drilled using Transocean's semi-submersible drilling rig Jack Bates in water depths of approximately 3,000 ft (960 m) with total vertical depth of drilling to 15,500 ft (4725 m). The well discovered 623 ft (190 meters) of net gas sands in the Mungaroo Formation, which places Clio as one of the top wells in Australia in terms of total net pay.

"Our two significant gas discoveries in Chandon and Clio this year demonstrate the benefits of Chevron focusing our exploration program in key basins such as northwestern Australia," John Watson, president of Chevron International Exploration and Production, said. "Our continued exploration success in Australia, combined with our commitment to developing these resources, offers great prospect for gas markets in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific and North America regions." Jay Johnson, managing director of Chevron Australia, said, "The Clio discovery highlights the quality of our exploration capability in the region and the significance of northwestern Australia to Chevron's energy portfolio. "Chevron will be undertaking further work, including a 3-D seismic survey program starting in mid-December, to better determine the potential of the gas find and subsequent development options," he added. "

Our efforts to commercialize the fields of the Greater Gorgon area, our commitment to the expansion of the North West Shelf Venture and our increased exploration and development program in the region all have the potential to deliver significant long-term benefits to Australia," explained Johnson. Chevron affiliates Chevron Australia Pty Ltd and Texaco Australia Pty Ltd operate permit WA-205-P and hold a 67% interest. Shell Development Australia holds 33%. Chevron Australia is operator and 50% joint venture participant in the Gorgon Project, joint venture participant in the North West Shelf Venture, operator and joint venture participant in the Barrow Island and Thevenard Island oil fields, and operator of significant exploration acreage located off the northwest coast of Australia.

Source: Chevron Corp.