Oil exploration and production company Aminex (LON:AEX) recently announced that drilling at the Ntorya-2 (NT-2) appraisal well in the Ruvuma basin in onshore southern Tanzania has uncovered a gross gas bearing reservoir unit of approximately 51 meters.
Aminex indicates: “Drilling of the reservoir section was associated with significant gas influxes and higher than expected pressures. The result is well ahead of the Company’s pre-drill expectations.”
NT-2 has also encountered traces of oil in the gross reservoir interval and the Aminex is now evaluating the implications of this development through an updated basin model.
Jay Bhattacherjee, CEO of Aminex said: “We are delighted with the progress of the Ntorya-2 appraisal well, which is ahead of our expectations. The reservoir is both thick and high quality. Aminex looks forward to providing the results of the flowtesting which will enable the joint venture to consider its options for development of the Ntorya field.”
Aminex has a 75% operated interest in the well, while the remaining 25% are held by oil and gas investment company Solo Oil (LON:SOLO).
Neil Ritson, Solo’s Chairman, commented: “We are extremely pleased with the results of the well which fully confirm the presence of thicker gas bearing reservoirs up dip from the gas condensate discovery at Ntorya-1. These results move us a significant step forward in the commercialization of the Ntorya discovery and we look forward to some exciting further results in the coming weeks.”
The NT-2 appraisal well is located approximately 1,500 meters southwest of the Ntorya-1 (NT-1) discovery well, which flow tested at 20 million cubic feet per day of gas (mmscfd).
Additionally, Aminex has reported that it has now completed all necessary civil works for the Ntorya-3 (NT-3) wellsite.
NT-3, located approximately 5 km from the NT-1 discovery well, is expected to be drilled following NT-2; however, the program may vary depending on the results at NT-2.
