Anadarko Announces Large Natural Gas Discovery in Gulf of Mexico

U.S. independent oil and natural gas produces, Anadarko Petroleum Corp., has announced the find of more natural gas than initially expected at its Cheyenne East project in the Gulf of Mexico. There were more than 50 feet of gas-bearing rock discovered, exceeding expectations.

This is Anadarko’s first find in the Gulf since last year’s BP Macondo offshore oil spill, which they had a stake in. Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to make a return before the end of 2012.

The current plan is to complete Cheyenne East, in which they own 100 percent, and tie it to Independence Hub, a platform that handles flow from several Gulf fields. Production is expected next year. The company is also anticipating an extensive program next year, given it can get U.S. permits. The permit process is still very slow, according to oil executives.