Invictus to spud Mukuyu-2 well in Cabora Bassa basin

Invictus has let well services contracts to drill the Mukuyu-2 well in Cabora Bassa basin, Zimbabwe.

Mukuyu-2 is a follow up to the play-opening Mukuyu-1/ST1 well which confirmed a working hydrocarbon system in the basin and the presence of light oil, gas-condensate, and helium (OGJ Online, May 18, 2023). Mukuyu-2 will test multiple stacked targets within the greater Mukuyu structure with the aim of confirming a commercial discovery. The well is on track to spud in third-quarter 2023.

SLB has been awarded the open-hole wireline logging contract, Geolog International has been awarded the mudlogging contract, and Baker Hughes and NOV have been awarded the directional drilling and logging while drilling (LWD) contracts.

The remainder of the services, including cementing, drilling fluids and mud engineering, tubular running, fishing and abandonment, liner hangers, reservoir technical services, and project management have been retained by Baker Hughes, Invictus said.

Following Rig 202 and camp move to the Mukuyu-2 wellsite, installation and commissioning of the new mud tank system (currently enroute to Zimbabwe) and rig acceptance will be undertaken.

Cabora Bassa basin lies onshore in the Zambezi Valley in Muzarabani, 300 km northeast of Harare. The 250,000-acre SG 4571 license is in the second exploration period which runs to June 2024. Prospective resources are 20 tcf of gas and 845 million bbl of conventional gas-condensate.

Invictus is operator with 80% interest.