Calgary-based Canadian 88 Energy Corp. said Thursday it has successfully drilled a significant deep natural gas well in Western Alberta to a depth of 15,709 feet. The well is a stepout into the prolific Blackstone Devonian Swan Hills gas pool and log results indicate 98 feet of highly porous dolomite gas pay, averaging 10% porosity analogous to other wells in the pool.

The well, located about 1.9 miles from other wells in the Blackstone pool, encountered the top of the gas pay 246 feet higher than any previous well. Canadian 88 expects to have more information when the well is completed and on production within six months.

“This well is a confirmation of Canadian 88’s Swan Hills expertise and its strategy to complement a successful drilling program in established areas with high potential gas plays in the Alberta Foothills,” said CEO Joseph L. Pritchett.

The Blackstone pool, which is 150 miles northwest of Calgary, was discovered in 1984 and has produced 404 Bcf of sales gas from three wells to date, with an estimated 355 Bcf of sales gas remaining. Two wells are currently on production in the pool, each producing at a rate of approximately 50 MMcf/d.

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