The Hydrocarbon Potential of EP3, South East Bonaparte Basin, NT

Abstract

EP3 straddles the Southeast edge of the Palaeozoic Bonaparte Basin and basement rocks of the Victoria River Basin. The stratigraphic sequence which offers hydrocarbon potential is largely confined to sediments of Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous age. Source rocks capable of generating oil and gas are recognised within the Early Carboniferous Milligans Formation, Keep River Group, Buttons Beds and Bonaparte Beds. Reservoir rocks include clastics and carbonates with primary and secondary porosity development. Shales within the Bonaparte Beds and Lower Milligans Formation constitute regional seals for underlying reservoir units. Though no prospects and leads are currently recognised within the licence, a couple of play concepts are presented in the report.