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57 min ago 2 min read
Mendell Helium has identified five prospective production well locations at its Fort Dodge project in Kansas, US, following seismic analysis, as it prepares for a drilling programme before the end of the year.
The company said the locations, which target the Morrow sands formation, were identified following assessment of 3D seismic data acquired in July by a third-party geophysical firm.
The formation is already accessed by Mendell’s and wells, with three of the proposed new wells potentially close enough to share on-site production facilities and a saltwater disposal well.
Mendell said Rixford Resources, which previously co-funded the Rost 2-26 drilling and Brobee saltwater drilling expansion, had “confirmed its interest” in co-funding the additional wells at Fort Dodge.
However, no definitive funding agreement has been announced, and any expansion beyond Mendell’s existing four-well programme remains subject to financing, land access, and drilling permits.
The firm said the £5m ($6.7m) raised in April would be “sufficient” to cover its initial four-well campaign.
“With a drilling contractor identified and a more detailed understanding of the potential production zones in Fort Dodge, we are in a very strong position to develop the region,” said CEO Nick Tulloch.
Mendell has not specified when drilling will begin or disclosed expected helium production volumes from the proposed wells. The company is continuing to secure land access and permits, while final drilling contractor arrangements remain outstanding.
Separately, Mendell said its Schneweis Ventures 13A well, operated in partnership with Ritchie Exploration, had recorded gas flows of up to 700 Mcf/day under its own pressure, although production subsequently slowed.
Water pumping is scheduled to begin this week, with an initial removal rate of around 100 barrels per day, while the company assesses whether additional pumping capacity is required.
Meanwhile, Rost 2-26 continues to undergo dewatering at approximately 1,000 barrels per day. Mendell has finalised plans for a potential $50,000 to $80,000 acid stimulation treatment but has yet to decide whether to proceed.
