Cooper says E. Java discovery non-commercial

Australian oil, gas firm Cooper Energy reported on Tuesday that Kurnia-1 exploration well in South Madura PSC, offshore East Java was categorized as non-commercial discovery.

?Kurnia-1 demonstrated some positive hydrocarbon indications whilst drilling and production testing. However, due to the lack of a sustained production test flow and the subsequent interpretation of data obtained in the well indicating limited volume potential, Kurnia will be categorised as a non-commercial discovery,? the company said in a quarterly report.

South Madua partnership spudded Kurnia-1 in July 2007 and drilled to the depth of 3,350 meters and gas was produced during the well test.

The company said that the partnership has recommenced on the acquisition of 246 km 2D seismic to the west of Madura island in the South Madura PSC, with the objective to mature leads and prospects for drilling in 2009.

Cooper is the operator of South Madura PSC with 30 percent working interest. Nations Petroleum has 60 percent and the remaining 10 percent is owned by local firm PT Eksindo. (denny)