Buccaneer Energy has completed a pilot program testing organic oil recovery (OOR) technology at its Pine Mills field in East Texas, reporting improved production and reduced water cut in the treated area.
The pilot was conducted in the northern section of the field within the Battery 3 area and involved treatment of one water injector and two producing wells. Following the treatment, average production in the pilot area increased from approximately 15 bpd in early January to about 30 bpd during the post-treatment period, with output continuing at similar levels.
The OOR process involves injecting a nutrient mixture into the reservoir to stimulate naturally occurring microorganisms. These microbes alter interfacial properties within the reservoir, reducing the bond between oil and rock and improving the mobility of residual oil in mature waterflood systems. Buccaneer reported that one treated well experienced a significant reduction in water cut after treatment.
The pilot program was implemented after the company returned a water injector in the area to service as part of a broader workover program. Based on initial results, Buccaneer plans to treat two additional producing wells in the Battery 3 area and is evaluating expansion of the recovery method across other sections of the Pine Mills field later in 2026.
The Pine Mills field is a mature waterflood development, and the company said it will continue monitoring performance from the treated wells as it assesses the potential for broader application of the OOR technology.
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