Australian company Invictus Energy has signed a number of key contracts related to the upcoming exploration of a gas field in Zimbabwe, where reserves are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas.

Exploration Activities and Infrastructure

The company is operating in promising areas in the northern part of the Cabora Bassa Basin, where a gas condensate deposit called Mukuyu was discovered at the end of 2023. Following this discovery, Invictus Energy focused its efforts on land-based infrastructure, including attempts to transfer a stake in the project and the signing of a production sharing agreement with the Zimbabwean authorities. During this period, the company gained a more detailed understanding of the geological structure of the site and refined its exploration objectives.

The next exploration well will be drilled at the Musuma site, where reserves are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate. Drilling of the Musuma-1X well is scheduled for the second half of this year, using Exalo Drilling’s Rig 102.

Preparatory Measures

Invictus Energy has announced the signing of a contract for the construction of the drilling site and related construction works. Preparations include upgrading access roads for equipment transportation and future operations, as well as establishing a water supply system.

The company has completed the evaluation of suppliers for long-lead equipment and is ready to finalize the relevant contracts. This week, Exalo is sending a team to Zimbabwe to begin on-site preparations and carry out necessary maintenance on Rig 202.

In the coming weeks, a contract for well servicing is expected to be signed, and a logistics and mobilization plan will be implemented to support the drilling campaign.

Project Prospects

Before construction begins at the Musuma-1 site, traditional and cultural ceremonies are planned. The Musuma-1 well targets a new type of deposit in the Cabora Bassa Basin and could contribute to the formation of a significant resource base in the eastern part of Invictus’s license area.