Exxon to start Barito CBM exploration campaign

US giant firm ExxonMobil Corp. and its partner PT Barito Basin Gas will start first exploration drilling well in the Barito Banjar II coal bed methane (CBM) block in Tabuk river sub-district, Banjar regency, South Kalimantan this month.

Exxon?s spokesperson Vasta Choesein said on Wednesday that they expect to drill the well to a planned total depth of 1,500 meters.

He also said that Exxon plans to continue drilling, including core holes and exploratory wells for the three CBM projects in Barito basin, in which Exxon has non-operating interest.

In November 2010, ExxonMobil said it was implementing a work program to evaluate shale gas and coal bed methane in the Barito Basin in South Kalimantan totaling approximately 290,000 acres.

ExxonMobil has interest in other two CBM blocks in South Kalimantan, namely Banjar I and Barito Tapin blocks which are operated by local firm PT Sugico Graha.

PT Barito Basin Gas has been awarded in the Barito Banjar II block under direct offer mechanism in November 2008. (godang)