London-based Highlands Natural Resources has successfully drilled and set surface casing in two east Denver Niobrara wells, the company said on Aug. 18.

Highlands reported smooth operations to date for both the Wildhorse 5-64 15-16-1BHZ and Powell 5-64- 15-16-1CHZ wells. Highlands is now drilling the remainder of the Powell well, which targets the Niobrara C formation and should reach its final depth in approximately two weeks. Both the Wildhorse and Powell well were drilled to approximately 2,100 ft and each surface casing has been set and cemented successfully.

Drilling operations for the Powell have a targeted total depth of 18,247 ft representing the total vertical and horizontal distance drilled in the well. Highlands said it would update the market with the results of drilling when it reaches total depth, including data regarding the portion of the horizontal wellbore placed in the Niobrara reservoir, which is a leading indicator of the well’s productive capacity.

“Operational execution is essential to delivering east Denver wells on-cost and on-time, so it is important to update the market that Highlands has now completed the drilling and cementing of surface casing for our first two wells in line with stated operational plans and timelines,” Highlands’ Chairman and CEO Robert Price said.

“I look forward to updating the market of additional milestones after we drill the remainder of the Powell well and have the opportunity to analyze resulting geologic and reservoir data, which will be helpful indicators of the well’s productive potential. With the support of our financial partners and top quality contractors and advisors, I am confident in Highlands’ ability to execute the east Denver operations plan and to deliver first oil, first gas and first revenue to shareholders,” Price said.