A study of shale gas geomechanics in the Northern Perth Basin, Western Australia

Summary

A number of shale intervals in the Northern Perth Basin provide a significant new shale gas potential. Investigations show that some of these shales are rich in organic material and have sufficient thermal maturity to generate gas.

The purpose of this project was to examine the shale gas geomechanical properties, combine these with the existing extensive geological, geophysical and petrological database and input the controls into the construction of Rock Mechanical Models.

Keywords: North Perth Basin, shale gas, geomechanical properties, well drilling, hydraulic fracturing