Rig 8000 to Arrive at Ntorya in Mid-December. NT-3 Spud Expected By EOY

Rig 8000 Released and Mobilisation Timetable Confirmed

The confirmation that Rig 8000 has been released by Maurel & Prom is an important development in the preparations for NT-3.

The rig has already been operating in Tanzania, removing the need for international mobilisation of the main drilling unit. Its next scheduled destination is the NT-3 location, where arrival is expected in mid-December.

Following arrival, the rig will undergo assembly, commissioning and acceptance before drilling begins. The operator, ARA Petroleum Tanzania (APT), anticipates spudding the well in late December.

The drilling contract also provides flexibility for the wider Ntorya development. In addition to drilling NT-3, it includes options to undertake a workover of NT-1 or drill a separate well, together with options for two further wells.

These provisions could allow the operator to extend the drilling campaign beyond NT-3 as the development programme progresses.

Why NT-3 Matters to Aminex

NT-3 is a particularly significant well within the Ntorya development because it targets the central part of the interpreted gas-bearing reservoir system.

Aminex's latest seismic interpretation indicates that the well could encounter more than 200 metres of gross reservoir thickness, compared with approximately 51 metres encountered at NT-2.

A successful result would provide valuable information about the thickness, quality and productivity of the central reservoir, helping guide subsequent development drilling.

The well therefore represents more than an opportunity to add production capacity. It is an important test of the geological interpretation underpinning the wider Ntorya development programme.

With Rig 8000 now released, its arrival scheduled and a late-December spud anticipated, the programme is moving towards that important test.

NT-3 Site Preparations Advance Towards Rig Arrival

The latest announcement also confirms substantial progress on the infrastructure required to receive Rig 8000.

Construction of the NT-3 well pad is approximately 60% complete, while the access roads are 80% complete. Completion and formal site handover are targeted for 15 December, aligning with the scheduled arrival of the rig.

Preparation of the rig base camp began on 20 September, with handover expected later in November.

These figures provide official confirmation of the construction activity visible in recent satellite imagery examined by AminexInvestors.com.

The cleared drilling location, developing access routes and associated construction areas form part of the preparations for the forthcoming drilling campaign.

First Gas from NT-2 Remains Targeted for December

Alongside the approaching NT-3 drilling campaign, Aminex has reaffirmed its objective of bringing NT-2 into production before the end of December.

Wellhead maintenance at NT-2 has now been completed, with no major findings reported.

The next operation will involve removing the bridge plugs, with the necessary equipment awaiting delivery and the work scheduled for late November.

Testing is expected to commence in December, subject to finalisation of the gas processing unit contract and timely mobilisation of the equipment.

Production into the Ntorya-Madimba pipeline remains targeted for late December.

For Aminex, which retains a 25% carried interest in the Ruvuma PSA, the commencement of gas production will represent the transition from exploration and development towards commercial operations.