Independent upstream oil and gas company Invictus Energy (ASX:IVZ) reports it has encountered additional elevated gas shows and fluorescence at the Mukuyu-1 well, as part of its 80% owned SG4571 licence in Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa Basin.
The results come following the successful deepening of the Mukuyu-1 well to a total depth of 3,923m measured depth (mMD) and prove the potential of the Upper Angwa formation over a 900m gross interval.
It is reported that these results also confirm that the Upper Angwa formation is thicker than pre-drill estimates, which bodes well for future prospectivity in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
“Results to date have been extremely encouraging and we plan to suspend the sidetrack well for future testing”
Speaking on the results, Invictus Energy Managing Director, Scott Macmillan says: “The existing Mukuyu-1 wellbore was successfully deepened to 3,923mMD and continued to encounter multiple reservoir units with elevated gas shows and fluorescence until total depth (TD), proving up the potential of the Upper Angwa formation over a 900m gross interval.
Our primary Upper Angwa target formation is thicker than anticipated from pre-drill estimates, which bodes well for future prospectivity in the basin.
After reaching TD, the borehole was prepared to run wireline logs, however due to a deterioration in borehole conditions, the tools were unable to pass below a depth of about 3,030mMD where the primary fluid sampling targets are located.
Current borehole conditions make logging the existing hole section extremely risky with an increased likelihood of losing tools and not meeting the objectives of the well.
As a result, the decision has been made to sidetrack the Mukuyu-1 well in order to complete our evaluation and obtain a fluid sample.
Results to date have been extremely encouraging and we plan to suspend the sidetrack well for future testing.
We anticipate the remaining activities will require a further 12 to 18 days and we look forward to providing further updates in coming weeks.”
The company also notes that following the call for total depth, the borehole was prepared for wireline logging, however the logging tools used were unable to pass beyond a depth of 3,030mMD.
Analysis of the borehole demonstrates that conditions have deteriorated over the last few days due to heavy water-based mud utilised as a precaution during drilling.
In addition, it is reported that the Mukuyu-1 well will be sidetracked to complete evaluation.
With the total depth of the Mukuyu-1 well now called, Invictus Energy announces it is preparing the Exalo Rig 202 to plug back the existing 8(½) wellbore section to seal off hydrocarbon zones and leave the well in a safe state.
A shareholder briefing is also planned to discuss preliminary well results and forward operations.
Images: Invictus Energy Ltd
