Natural gas deposits discovered in two locations by Chevron Australia's deepwater drilling exploration program in the Carnarvon Basin.

The Pinhoe-1 exploration discovery well encountered approximately 197 feet (60 meters) of net gas pay in the Barrow and Mungaroo Sands. Pinhoe-1 is located in the WA-383-P permit area, located approximately 124 miles (200 kilometers) north of Exmouth off the Western Australia coast. The well was drilled in 3,048 feet (929 meters) of water to a total depth of 13,396 feet (4,083 meters).

The Arnhem-1 exploration discovery well confirmed approximately 149 feet (45.5 meters) of net gas pay in the upper Mungaroo Sands. Arnhem-1 is in the WA-364-P permit area, located approximately 180 miles (290 kilometres) north of Exmouth off the Western Australia coast. The well was drilled in 3,963 feet (1,208 meters) of water to a total depth of 9,557 feet (2913 meters).

“Chevron Australia’s ongoing success offshore of Western Australia is a result of our long-term commitment to exploring and developing the region. The Carnarvon Basin is a world-class hydrocarbon basin, and these discoveries underscore the quality of our Australian portfolio and our technical competence,” said George Kirkland, vice chairman, Chevron Corporation.

Melody Meyer, president, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company, said the two discoveries expand Chevron’s discovered gas portfolio in Australia. Chevron has now announced a total of 19 discoveries in Australia since mid-2009. “These discoveries in the Exmouth area are significant as they are located farther out from other discoveries in the greater Gorgon and Wheatstone development in the Carnarvon basin and indicates development potential in the broader region,” said Meyer.

Chevron Australia is the operator of both the WA-383-P and WA-364-P permit areas and has a 50 percent interest with Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd holding the remaining 50 percent.