Characterization Of Deltaic Source Rocks And Hydrocarbon Potential In The Lower Kutai Basin

Jamaluddin; Desianto Payung Battu

Authors

Jamaluddin Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Migas Balikpapan
Desianto Payung Battu Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Migas Balikpapan

Keywords:

Source rock, Lower Kutai Basin, Mahakam Delta, Organic Geochemistry

Abstract

The Lower Kutai Basin in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, partly covered by the modern Mahakam Delta, was examined to assess its hydrocarbon source rock potential and depositional environment. Geochemical analysis of Miocene shale samples reveals Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values ranging from 1.3 to 5.32 wt.%, indicating good to excellent organic richness with an average TOC of 2.5 wt.%. Hydrogen Index (HI) and Tmax results show that the organic matter is dominated by type III kerogen with minor type II/III, mainly derived from terrestrial higher plants. Tmax values between 425 and 447°C and vitrinite reflectance values of 0.64 – 0.77% indicate immature to early mature thermal stages. The Pr/n-C17 and Ph/n-C18 ratios suggest deposition under alternating oxic and anoxic conditions within a deltaic to shallow-marine setting influenced by a humid equatorial climate. These findings indicate that the Miocene shales of the Lower Kutai Basin possess strong gas-prone and mixed hydrocarbon generation potential, making them significant contributors to the petroleum system of the Mahakam Delta region.

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