Dean formation emerging as ‘next zone to watch’ in Midland Basin

Multiple sources are reporting that the Dean formation in west Texas is “emerging as the Midland Basin’s next zone to watch.”  Dean is a prolific, oil-rich geological layer between the shallower Spraberry formation and the deeper Wolfcamp shale.  Historically, it was drilled vertically in the Ackerly-Dean field in Dawson County, but now modern horizontal drilling and multi-bench pad completions have unlocked sweet spots in Glasscock, Martin and Midland counties.

Energy data provider Rextag said recent results show why interest is building.  Diamondback reported initial production rates of more than 2,000 barrels per day in Martin and Midland mostly from Dean wells while Ovintiv and SM Energy also posted strong results in Martin.  Rextag said ExxonMobil’s tests in Martin underperformed, and Occidental’s results in Glasscock showed mixed productivity.  Hart Energy this week said ExxonMobil’s XTO Energy reported IP rate of 4,043 barrels in Martin County.

Rextag added, “The Dean is becoming a more serious Midland Basin stacked-pay target as operators search for additional economic inventory beyond Spraberry and Wolfcamp.  Martin County is standing out as the strongest current concentration of Dean activity and results.  Interest is spreading south and east into Midland, Howard and Glasscock, showing that the play is being tested beyond its earlier core.”