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26 min ago 2 min read
Australian helium exploration company Noble Helium is preparing a multi-stage drilling campaign at North Rukwa project in Tanzania after securing a drilling rig.
The company has contracted BoreXpert to provide a rig for two confirmed exploration wells – Kinambo B and Kinambo K – with options for an additional two wells.
Mobilisation is scheduled for June, with drilling expected to start in early July.
Kinambo B will target shallow gas accumulations to depths around 430 metres, while Kinambo K will target shallow and deep formations in a separate structure to a depth of approximately 1500 metres.
Following laboratory gas analysis of the initial wells, the company will assess whether to drill additional wells at Kinambo C or Kinambo E, or instead drill an appraisal well at Mbelele 1A, about 35 kilometres northwest of Kinambo.
Each shallow well is expected to take around two to three days to drill, with around one week of testing, alongside rig relocation between sites.
Dennis Donald, Executive Chairman of Noble Helium, said sub-surface de-risking is ahead of schedule and in-country logistics are on track.
“Our objective remains to validate the western margin play and fast-track a pilot production facility. This will provide a platform for us to plan a more extensive commercial facility and explore the potential of the eastern margin,” he said.
The company has entered into early-stage offtake agreement discussions with energy companies.
The overall cost of the campaign is expected to be lower than drilling in , where high-cost oil and gas drilling equipment was required to derisk exploration.
