Publications

The Banggai Basin, known for its proven oil and gas fields, is commonly understood to have its hydrocarbon kitchen sourced from the Batui Thrust. The Primary kerogen rich source rock within Batui Thrust is tertiary shale of Matindok Formation and Tomori Formation are type II/ III Source rock. The potential presence of Type II-S kerogen suggests an alternative kitchen, particularly from the opposite side of Batui Thrust which is mostly offshore in the Tolo Deep area. Type II-S kerogen, rich in sulfur and known for its rapid and efficient oil generation, indicates the possibility of a significant secondary hydrocarbon source, which could substantially enhance the exploration potential of the basin. This insight may lead to a strategic shift toward exploring offshore regions.

To assess the hydrocarbon source rock potential of Type II-S kerogen, basin modeling incorporates several essential analytical parameters. Bottom Hole Temperature (BHT) and geothermal gradient calculations provide thermal maturity of source rocks, crucial for the generation of hydrocarbons from sulfur-rich kerogen. Hydrocarbon occurrences across different formations help mapping hydrocarbon oil to oil correlations and identify potential accumulation zones. The source rock properties, such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), hydrogen index, and sulfur content, are analyzed to determine the kerogen’s hydrocarbon-generating capacity. Additionally, evaluating erosional thickness aids in reconstructing the basin’s burial and exhumation history, which affects the thermal evolution necessary for kerogen maturation. These analyses collectively offer a comprehensive view of the basin’s hydrocarbon system, from generation to accumulation, enabling the refinement of exploration assessment. Understanding migration patterns, source rock properties, and thermal evolution, the exploration efforts can be directed toward promising offshore areas, particularly near the Tolo Deep.In conclusion, Type II-S kerogen analysis at Tomori Interval suggests that offshore near the basin’s hydrocarbon kitchen are likely to hold significant untapped hydrocarbon resources. Future exploration efforts in these areas, considering both shallow and deeper marine settings, is recommended to maximize resource discovery.