Daily well activity reports – Why they are Important

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has a responsibility to ensure all drilling operations are carried out safely and with minimal risk to the environment.

In accordance with Regulation 72 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015, if the instrument holder undertakes a well activity on a particular day, they are required to provide the Minister of Mines and Petroleum with a daily well activity report. It is considered an offence under the regulations not to do so.

This report must be submitted before midday on the day following the activity, and contain the following:

• the well activity phases over a 24-hour period;
• the employees and contractors authorised to carry out the work; and
• HSE information, well barriers, and other relevant details.

See an example of a complete well activity report here.

This information ensures that petroleum and geothermal energy resources operations are carried out in line with good oil-field practice. Daily reporting acts as a risk management tool for assessing ongoing compliance. It is also admissible evidence in a court of law if the circumstance arises.