The US’ Apache Corp has made a successful discovery at the Khalda Ridge in Egypt’s Western Desert region where the company has a concession to carry out exploration and production activities.

The well tested at a combined rate of 3,186 barrels a day of oil and condensate, as well as 11 million cubic feet a day of natural gas.

The company said that the well’s close proximity to production facilities means that it could start output quickly.

Apache has extensive exploration operations in Egypt and has plans to drill 270 wells in 2013. It is also planning 60 exploration wells.