Brief

TMK Energy launches 2026 gas optimisation programme at Mongolian pilot field

The Australian firm has mobilised a workover rig and a 70‑tonne crane to re‑complete three wells and drill a new one, targeting a daily output of about 950 cubic metres.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:13:09 GMT

TMK Energy said on 14 October 2026 that its 2026 work programme has started at the Gurvantes XXXV coal‑bed methane pilot project in Mongolia.

What happened

The company moved a workover rig and a 70‑tonne crane to the 100 % owned field last week. The first task was to pull the idle pump and production string from well LF‑03, preparing it for a clean‑out and the first of three planned re‑completions. The re‑completion plan calls for installing a new 5.5‑inch slotted liner inside the existing 7‑inch liner, then running smaller tubing and pumps. The same process will be applied to wells LF‑02 and LF‑06. After those three workovers, TMK intends to spud a new well, LF‑08, drilled with a smaller hole to accommodate the 5.5‑inch liner from the start.

What the reports add

TMK reports that the field’s average daily gas flow rose from 872 cubic metres in September to about 950 cubic metres in October, equivalent to roughly 33,500 standard cubic feet per day. The company says this increase suggests the field is approaching commercial flow rates. If the re‑completion strategy succeeds, TMK plans to apply the same method to all its existing Lucky Fox wells in 2027, including the high‑performing LF‑07.

What was said

Chief executive officer Dougal Ferguson told SMH, “I am pleased to advise that the 2026 Work Program has now commenced at the Pilot Well Project with the LF‑03 pump replacement and re‑completion being the first of many field‑based operations over the coming two months. Returning LF‑03 to production after several months of being idle should only add to the overall increasing production in the field.”

How it came about

The Gurvantes XXXV project sits less than 20 km from the Chinese border and near several mining operations that require industrial power. The field hosts an independently certified 2C contingent resource of 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas across 60 sq km. Earlier this year TMK reported an eight‑percent rise in average output across its well portfolio, prompting the company to accelerate optimisation efforts.

Key facts

TMK Energy has mobilised a workover rig and a 70‑tonne crane to the Gurvantes XXXV pilot project in Mongolia. (smh.com.au)
The first re‑completion will involve well LF‑03, with plans to treat LF‑02 and LF‑06 similarly. (smh.com.au)
October average gas output at the field rose to about 950 cubic metres per day, up from 872 cubic metres in September. (smh.com.au)
If successful, the re‑completion method will be applied to all Lucky Fox wells in 2027. (smh.com.au)
The project holds a 2C contingent resource of 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas across 60 sq km. (smh.com.au)