Since the last report on the Nzizi-1 well, logging operations have been completed and pressuremeasurements taken. Good oil shows were encountered during drilling over a gross interval of approximately 180 metres, directly above basement, in a similar section to that encountered by the Mputa-1 well, 6 kilometres northeast of Nzizi-1.
Wireline logs and pressure measurements indicate an interbedded sequence of oil bearing sands and shales. No fluid samples or testing operations were planned for this well as it was drilled in a slimhole configuration and consequently it will now be plugged and abandoned. The well result suggests there is scope to significantly increase the recoverable volume reported so far for the Mputa/Waraga area, of around 30 million barrels, and hence further enhance the potential resource base in the Albertine Basin. Studies are underway to establish a range of development options for the existing discoveries, which allied to additional seismic currently being acquired and future appraisal drilling, will determine ultimate commerciality.
Commenting on the Nzizi-1 result, Mr. Simon Potter, Hardman MD and CEO, said: “The fourth discovery in four wells drilled by Hardman in Exploration Area 2 proves that the working oil system extends over a significantly greater area, adding to the resource base established so far this year, and providing encouragement for future exploration of the basin.”
Equities in Block 2 are:
Hardman Petroleum Africa Pty Ltd (Operator) 50.0%
Tullow Oil plc 50.0%
