Bumi to drill four CSG deep core wells in East Kalimantan

Queensland, Australian-based firm WestSide Corporation Ltd. said its partner PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) planned to drill four coal seam gas (CSG) deep core wells in the first quarter of 2008.

"Data from the four deep core wells will support the Project Definition Study currently being undertaken," WestSide said in a statement on Wednesday.

WestSide is currently working with KPC and U.S.-based CSG consultant Advanced Resources International in preparing a Project Definition Study to assess the CSG potential of selected areas of the 91,000 hectare KPC permit site in East Kalimantan.

An assessment of the CSG potential of the area is expected by mid-year, according to WestSide.

KPC is a unit of ISE-listed mining house PT Bumi Resources Tbk.

WestSide also said it and Bumi had filled key executive position for their joint venture, PT Seamgas Indonesia, that will run CSG business in Indonesia, with Keith Potter as president director.

Bumi holds 27.5 percent of WestSide's shares.(denny)