Stone Energy Corp. has announced exploration discoveries at its deepwater Amethyst and deep-gas Tomcat prospects in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The company operates and owns a 100% working interest in both discoveries.

The deepwater Amethyst exploration well in Mississippi Canyon block 26 encountered about 90 ft (27 m) of net hydrocarbon pay in one interval, which suggests a commercial discovery. Analysis of logging, coring, and fluid data confirmed the existence of natural gas, condensate, and natural gas liquids in the pay zone (an estimated yield of 60-80 bbl of liquids per million cubic feet of natural gas). The interval has been placed safely behind pipe for a future completion. 

A full evaluation, including seismic and subsurface data integration, is needed before hydrocarbon quantities can be estimated and a specific development plan is sanctioned. A single or multi-well tieback to its 100% owned Pompano platform, located less than 5 mi (8 km) from the discovery, is a likely development option. 

The results at the deep-gas Tomcat exploration prospect at West Cameron block 76 also suggest a commercial discovery with about 30 ft (9 m) of net hydrocarbon pay in the Camerina interval. Well log analysis, combined with offset Camerina production history, would suggest the zone should produce rich natural gas with approximately 60 bbl of condensate per million cubic feet of natural gas as well as additional natural gas liquids volumes. 

Initial development plans call for a tieback to a nearby Stone-operated production platform in East Cameron block 64. Production is estimated to start in the second half of 2014. The rigs remain on location at both prospects to conduct operations to prepare the wells for future producti