Petroleum Significance - Active CBM Play

Conventional petroleum production in the Cherokee basin that began in the late 19th century continues to present, although in decline for the past fifty years. Since the mid-1980's and early 1990's unconventional shale and coal gas wells have reported cumulative production greater than 300 MMCF. Recent demands for natural gas, increasing prices, and new technologies have turned the Cherokee basin into an active energy play. Up to 14 relatively thin coals beds may be encountered in any one well. The key to a successful coalbed play is to identify numerous coals with higher gas contents located near pipeline infrastructure.

Coals in the Cherokee basin are less than 2,500 feet deep, so drilling costs are relatively low. Top reported completions intervals are in the Mulky coal and overlying Excello Shale, Weir-Pittsburg coal, and Riverton coal. Many producers are completing in coals that are less than 2 feet thick with promising results. The Mulky coal on average is much thinner than other coals, but the combination of a thick black shale with moderate absorbed gas capping the coal, provides an economic target.