SDX Energy Inc. has discovered oil at its Rabul 5 well in the West Gharib Concession in Egypt (SDX 50% working interest and joint operator), the company said on March 14.

The well was drilled to 5,280 ft (1,609 m) total depth and encountered approximately 151 ft (46 m) of net heavy oil pay across the Yusr and Bakr formations, with an average porosity of 18%. Further evaluation of the discovery is ongoing, after which the company expects the well to be completed as a producer and connected to the central processing facilities at Meseda.

Following completion of the Rabul 5 well the company will move on to the Rabul 4 location, the second of two appraisal wells planned for the Rabul feature this year.

“This well encountered the thickest section of pay sands seen in the Rabul area to date, demonstrating the significant oil potential contained within the license,” Paul Welch, SDX’s president and CEO, said.

“We have further drilling activity planned for the concession over the coming months and we firmly believe that these activities will enable us to increase output from the license and achieve our ambitious production plans for 2018.”