Invictus Energy has begun mobilising well services equipment for its Musuma-1 exploration well at the Cabora Bassa Project in northern Zimbabwe, bringing the company closer to drilling a new target that could add to its existing gas-condensate discoveries in the basin, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The development follows the successful relocation of Exalo Rig 202 from the Mukuyu-2 wellsite to Musuma-1, where rig-up operations are now underway.
Equipment and personnel are being progressively deployed while the company completes the remaining rig maintenance, installation and testing activities ahead of final rig acceptance.
Invictus, which holds an 80% interest in and operates the Cabora Bassa Project, said Musuma-1 remained on track to spud in the coming weeks during November. However, the precise drilling date will depend on the arrival in Zimbabwe of the remaining critical well services equipment and the completion of final operational readiness activities.
“With the rig now positioned at the Musuma-1 wellsite, our focus is on completing rig-up and mobilisation of the remaining equipment required to commence drilling,” Invictus Managing Director Scott Macmillan said.
“We remain on track to spud Musuma-1 in the coming weeks, with the exact timing dependent on the arrival of the remaining critical well services equipment into Zimbabwe.”
The well represents the next major exploration step for Invictus in the Cabora Bassa Basin following its gas-condensate discoveries at Mukuyu.
Musuma-1 will test a separate exploration target as the company seeks to establish the broader potential of a basin that is increasingly being positioned as a possible source of domestic energy.
“Musuma-1 presents an exciting opportunity to test a significant new exploration target and potentially add to our existing gas-condensate discoveries in the Cabora Bassa Basin,” Macmillan said.
The drilling campaign also comes as the Cabora Bassa Project moves into a new phase following the gazetting of a Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement covering the project.
The agreement provides a framework for the development and production of any commercial petroleum discoveries, placing greater focus on the potential path from exploration success to commercial development.
For Zimbabwe, further success at Musuma could strengthen prospects for developing a domestic gas industry and expanding energy supply options for industry.
With Rig 202 now positioned at the Musuma-1 site, the arrival of the remaining specialist well services equipment will be the next key milestone before drilling begins.
