Updating its current exploration and production program, Pioneer Natural Resources Co. said Wednesday that it has initiated production from a new natural gas well at its Raptor field in the Falcon Corridor, which is in the East Breaks area in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

The Dallas-based company holds a 100% working interest and operates the three fields that are tied into the Falcon facilities. The new Raptor well was tested at 30 MMcf/d. Pioneer noted that while the system pressure will limit the incremental production impact, the new Raptor well is expected to extend the productive life of the Falcon Corridor system and generate a return on investment in excess of 100%.

Over the remainder of the year, Pioneer said it plans to drill and operate two additional wells in the deepwater Gulf. The Clipper prospect, an amplitude play located in the Green Canyon area in which Pioneer has a 55% interest, is currently drilling. The Paladin prospect, a subsalt well located in the Garden Banks area in which Pioneer expects to own approximately 40% interest, is expected to spud during the third quarter. The company said it also plans to drill three to four wells on the Gulf of Mexico shelf before year end.

“Pioneer has enjoyed significant exploration success in the Gulf of Mexico which has resulted in several large scale development projects including Canyon Express, Devils Tower and the Falcon Corridor,” said CEO Scott D. Sheffield. “The Gulf of Mexico, where we have a number of attractive deepwater opportunities, will continue to be one of our key exploration focus areas.”

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