Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S potentially game-changing Cabora Bassa gas exploration campaign is moving into the execution phase, with Invictus Energy confirming that drilling of the high-impact Musuma-1 exploration well is scheduled to begin in November.
The development marks a major step forward in the Australia-headquartered company’s exploration programme, with drilling preparations now advancing towards the mobilisation of the rig, construction of the well pad and deployment of specialist well services.
The planned drilling campaign follows Invictus’ landmark Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery that significantly raised Zimbabwe’s profile on the global energy exploration map, and is now being used as the technical and geological foundation for further exploration in the basin.
In a statement, Invictus, which is listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, said it had executed a Deed of Variation to its drilling contract with Exalo Drilling S.A for the provision of Exalo Rig 202, which will drill the Musuma-1 exploration well at the Cabora Bassa Project.
The company’s managing director, Mr Scott Macmillan, was quoted as saying the revised rig contract, together with preparations for the drilling campaign, had allowed his organisation to confirm the November drilling date.
“Following execution of the Deed of Variation with Exalo and commencement of the rig maintenance and readiness campaign, we’re pleased to confirm a November spud date for the Musuma-1 well,” he said.
The company said Exalo would now undertake a comprehensive maintenance and operational readiness campaign on Rig 202 ahead of its move to the Cabora Bassa Project, rig-up and commencement of drilling operations.
The development puts the Musuma-1 well firmly into the execution phase, with Invictus also advancing procurement of the remaining well services required for the campaign.
The company said procurement was well advanced, with contracts being prepared for award, after which equipment preparation and staged mobilisation to the Musuma-1 location would begin.
Mr Macmillan said the company was also moving ahead with preparations at the drilling site.
“Well pad construction is scheduled to begin next week (this week), evaluation of well services provision is complete and we’re targeting award of these remaining scopes in coming weeks,” he said.
The well pad construction and associated civil works will commence following completion of customary cultural ceremonies with traditional leaders and local communities.
The development is significant for Zimbabwe’s energy exploration ambitions because Musuma-1 is being positioned as a high-impact exploration well with the potential to expand the resource base of the Cabora Bassa Project.
Invictus said the well could complement the company’s Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery, adding to the emerging resource potential of the wider project.
Mr Macmillan described Musuma-1 as a potentially important addition to the company’s exploration programme.
“Musuma-1 is a high-impact exploration well with the potential to materially expand the resource base of the Cabora Bassa Project and complement the Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery.
“The company looks forward to providing further updates as we move into the execution phase of the drilling campaign,” he said.
The November drilling programme comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue greater exploitation of domestic energy resources, particularly gas, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported energy.
However, Musuma-1 remains an exploration well, meaning its commercial potential will only become clearer after drilling, evaluation and testing of the results.
In 2023, Invictus confirmed a significant natural gas and oil discovery in within the Mukuyu structure, one of its prospective areas.
The Mukuyu discovery, from the Lower and Upper Angwa formations, was ranked the second-largest oil and gas find in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, with an estimated 230 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) or 1,3 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas from just two wells drilled in a 200-square-kilometre structure.
The immediate focus was now on getting the drilling infrastructure and services into position ahead of the November spud at Musuma 1- well.
Exalo’s rig maintenance and operational readiness campaign will be undertaken before the rig is moved to the drilling location, while the remaining well-service contracts will be awarded and equipment progressively mobilised.
The well pad and associated civil works will provide the physical base for the drilling operation once the customary consultations and ceremonies with traditional leaders and local communities have been completed.
Invictus said the latest developments represented the transition of Musuma-1 from planning into execution.
