On July 8, it was reported that the JT1 risk exploration well targeting the Cambrian LWM Formation in northwestern Sichuan, proposed by PetroChina Southwest Oil & Gasfield Company, has passed the final expert review at PetroChina’s second 2025 annual risk target evaluation meeting. This marks a significant step forward in advancing exploration and development of the Cambrian system in the region.

Previously, seven wells drilled in the LWM Formation of northwestern Sichuan revealed highly complex lithology, poor reservoir quality, and low gas content. These difficulties led the area to be long regarded as a “forbidden zone” for exploration, with no substantial breakthroughs achieved.

To overcome these challenges, Southwest Oil & Gasfield Company intensified its 3D seismic deployment and, leveraging a “champion-led” model, assembled a dedicated research team involving universities and multiple oilfield units. This team conducted integrated geological-geophysical research, deepening understanding of stratigraphy, sedimentary facies, reservoir characteristics, and hydrocarbon accumulation. They proposed a breakthrough concept: the Cambrian system in northwestern Sichuan is controlled by the ancient uplift of Tianjing Mountain, where the dolomite grain bank facies of the Qingshui Formation are extensively and continuously distributed.

Based on this understanding, the ZT1 well was strategically deployed and successfully achieved high-yield commercial gas flow from the Cambrian system. With the JT1 well now approved and about to be drilled, a new phase of exploration for the Cambrian in the northwestern Sichuan Basin is anticipated.

Next, Southwest Oil & Gasfield Company will fully advance an integrated risk exploration strategy in the region. This will include comprehensive control, accelerated evaluation, and staged risk exploration to rapidly verify reserves scale. The company aims to achieve the goal of “finding another Moxi outside Moxi” and establish a new base for large-scale reserve growth in the Sichuan Basin.