Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Australian firm Invictus Energy will start drilling its third oil and gas exploration well, the Musuma -1 prospect, before the end of this year.
The firm is targeting an estimated gross mean unrisked (if discovered) resource of 1.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate.)
According to Invictus, the targeted resource represents one of the most significant undrilled conventional exploration opportunities in the Cabora Bassa Basin in northern Zimbabwe.
“With well pad construction, civils, logistics and rig maintenance activities progressing in parallel, Invictus remains on track to spud the Musuma-1 exploration well in H2 2026.
“Traditional and cultural ceremonies will be held at the Musuma-1 well site ahead of well pad construction,” Invictus said. The company has already discovered significant deposits of gas and condensate at its Mukuyu 1 and 2 sites, a historic feat, given that this was the first-ever oil and gas exploration drilling in the country.
“The well has the potential to unlock a substantial new resource base in the eastern portion of the licence area where several high-potential prospects have been identified from the Cabora Bassa 2023 (CB23) seismic survey,” Invictus said.
The Australia Stock Exchange-listed firm said Musuma-1 presents one of the strongest technical cases observed outside of Mukuyu and will be crucial to understanding the resource potential in the eastern portion of Invictus’s dominant acreage position.
Invictus has already awarded contracts for the construction of the Musuma-1 well pad and associated civil works.
The scope of work includes upgrades to access roads to support rig transport and ongoing operations, as well as the establishment of water supply infrastructure for drilling operations.
Site works are being planned to ensure the well pad and associated infrastructure are ready to receive Rig 202, used to drill for Mukuyu 1 and 2 wells, in line with the company’s planned drilling schedule.
Invictus has completed the evaluation of long-lead equipment suppliers required for the Musuma-1 well and is preparing to make the award for supply of the remaining equipment.
The Mukuyu Oil and Gas Field in the Cabora Bassa Basin holds an estimated total of 1.3 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas and 230 million barrels of oil equivalent.
The discovery of oil, gas and associated elements in Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa Basin (in Muzarabani District) is a historic breakthrough.
It is expected to transform the country from an energy importer to a self-sufficient and potentially energy-exporting economic powerhouse.
The development is also expected to result in the emergence of several downstream industries, creating more jobs.
Invictus Energy managing director, Mr Scott MacMillan, said awarding well pad construction, civils, road upgrade, water supply, long-lead equipment and logistics contracts represents an important step in our preparations for the Musuma-1 exploration well. “These allow us to move into the field execution phase and ensure the necessary infrastructure, equipment and mobilisation planning are in place ahead of drilling.
“Securing the remaining long-lead items, including wellheads and tubulars, is a key procurement milestone and supports our drilling readiness for the planned H2 2026 campaign.
“We are also pleased that Exalo S.A. (drilling company) is mobilising its team this week to commence in-country setup and critical maintenance activities for Rig 202 ahead of its planned move to the Musuma-1 well pad.
“The evaluation of well services provision is well advanced and we are targeting the award of these remaining scopes in the coming weeks. The company remains on track to spud Musuma-1 in H2 2026,” Mr MacMillan said.
