Senex Energy, as Operator of the South Australian permit PEL 111 joint venture on the western flank of the Cooper Basin, advises that drilling commenced on the Snatcher-4 oil appraisal well. The Ensign rig #48 is at 115 metres and drilling ahead, targeting a total depth of 1,858 metres. Snatcher-4 is the first of two approved appraisal wells at the Snatcher oil field to be drilled during the 2011/12 financial year.

Both Snatcher wells will assess the potential for oil production from the Jurassic Birkhead Formation on the Cooper Basin's western flank, and follow the drilling of 6 additional appraisal and development wells at Charo oil field, to the south, by the Santos Joint Venture in recent months. Appraisal activities resumed at the Snatcher oil field on 3 May 2012 when Snatcher-3 was brought onto production and the existing wells, Snatcher-1 and Snatcher-2, were reinstated for production following extensive flooding.

The Snatcher oil field is adjacent to the Santos-operated Charo oil field in PPL 177. Senex holds a 60% interest in PEL 111 and PRL 15 and is Operator of the joint ventures, with the remaining 40% interest in each joint venture held by Beach Energy.