Senex Energy Limited, as Operator of the PRL 15 and PEL 111 joint ventures, advises that oil production at the Growler and Snatcher oil fields has been temporarily interrupted following the closure of vital road infrastructure due to localised rain.

Western flank oil production

On Thursday 31 May, Senex temporarily halted production at the Growler oil field when extensive local rain caused the closure of all access roads within the Cooper Basin. Production from the Snatcher oil field was suspended on Friday 1 June.

Since Senex recommenced production at the Growler oil field in late September 2011, oil production from the field has increased rapidly on the back of a targeted appraisal and development program. Before the interruption, field production was averaging in excess of 5,200 bopd and for a short period in late May 2012 the field produced at a rate of more than 6,000 bopd.

Senex Managing Director Ian Davies said that production from the field would be reinstated as soon as possible and that the commissioning of dedicated oil pipelines connecting the site to Moomba would significantly reduce the risk of future production delays.

'The positive news is that the production is deferred - not lost - and from experience we know that operations at Growler oil field will ramp up very quickly. The event also validates our prudent decision to invest in oil pipeline infrastructure,' he said.

Once the extent of the interruption and deferred production are known, Senex will revise its net annual oil production target.

Senex holds a 60% interest in PRL 15 (Growler) and PEL 111 (Snatcher) and is the Operator of the joint ventures. The remaining 40% interest is held by Beach Energy Limited (Beach).

Oil pipelines under construction

In mid-2011, Senex committed to the construction of oil transportation infrastructure in the South Australian Cooper Basin to reduce the risk of production delays due to weather.