Petroplex Energy has moved from permitting into drilling operations on its SOUTH ROCKFISH development in Pecos County, Texas, marking the start of what appears to be a phased horizontal drilling program in the Delaware Basin.
Analysis of the company’s recent permits shows an eight-well development concentrated within Block 13, Abstract 296, Section 296 of the Wolfbone Trend Area. Rather than developing individual well sites, Petroplex has designed the project around two multi-well surface pads, a drilling strategy commonly used by Permian Basin operators to improve operational efficiency while reducing surface disturbance.
Project Overview
The SOUTH ROCKFISH development currently consists of:
- 8 horizontal well permits
- 2 surface drilling pads
- Located in Pecos County, Texas
- Delaware Basin (Permian Basin)
- Target Formation: Wolfbone Trend Area
- Projected Depth: Approximately 11,000 feet for every planned well
- Total Planned Drilling: Approximately 88,000 feet
The permits indicate a standardized development program, with every well sharing the same projected depth and drilling design. This consistency suggests Petroplex is executing a repeatable development template rather than testing multiple reservoir targets.
Surface Pad Layout
Using a 50-metre surface location analysis, the permits organize into two distinct drilling pads.
PAD 1 – Active Development Pad
The first pad contains five planned horizontal wells:
- SOUTH ROCKFISH D
- SOUTH ROCKFISH E
- SOUTH ROCKFISH F
- SOUTH ROCKFISH G
- SOUTH ROCKFISH H
Permit activity indicates this is the first pad to move into drilling operations.
One well has an Activity Date recorded while the remaining wells are awaiting drilling, suggesting Petroplex has begun the drilling sequence and will likely continue drilling the remaining wells from the same surface location.
The drilling contractor identified on the first active well is:
LASSO Rig 103
This indicates the rig has mobilized onto the first development pad and construction has transitioned from permitting into execution.
PAD 2 – Future Development Pad
The second surface pad consists of three planned wells:
- SOUTH ROCKFISH A
- SOUTH ROCKFISH B
- SOUTH ROCKFISH C
While permits have been issued, no Activity Dates are currently recorded for these wells, indicating the second pad remains in the future drilling inventory and will likely be developed after completion of the first pad.
A Standardized Development Program
From a subsurface perspective, the project is remarkably consistent.
Every permitted well:
- Targets the Wolfbone Trend Area
- Is permitted as a horizontal oil and gas well
- Has a projected depth of approximately 11,000 feet
The permits do not indicate multiple target formations or varying planned depths, suggesting Petroplex is pursuing a single-zone development strategy rather than a multi-zone co-development program.
What the Timeline Suggests
Permit timing also provides insight into Petroplex’s development approach.
The first pad was licensed before drilling activity commenced, while the second pad has already been permitted but has not yet entered drilling.
This staged approach allows the operator to:
- Maintain continuous rig utilization
- Drill multiple wells before moving equipment
- Reduce mobilization costs
- Optimize future completion operations
- Minimize overall surface disturbance
This sequencing has become standard practice across the Delaware Basin as operators increasingly develop assets through larger multi-well pad programs.
Project Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Operator | Petroplex Energy |
| Project | SOUTH ROCKFISH Development |
| Basin | Delaware Basin (Permian Basin) |
| County | Pecos County, Texas |
| Total Wells | 8 |
| Surface Pads | 2 |
| Active Pad | 5 Wells |
| Future Pad | 3 Wells |
| Drilling Contractor | LASSO |
| Active Rig | Rig 103 |
| Target | Wolfbone Trend Area |
| Well Type | Horizontal |
| Planned Depth | ~11,000 ft |
| Total Planned Footage | ~88,000 ft |
Outlook
The available permit and activity data indicate Petroplex has officially entered the execution phase of the SOUTH ROCKFISH development. Drilling has begun on the first five-well pad while a second three-well pad is positioned to follow.
Assuming the current drilling sequence continues, the project represents an eight-well horizontal development campaign within a single Delaware Basin lease position. As drilling progresses, additional activity dates, completion operations, and production milestones will provide a clearer picture of Petroplex’s long-term development strategy for the SOUTH ROCKFISH acreage.
Author: phinds
