TANZANIA: Aminex Approves $75M Work Programme as Ntorya Targets First Gas in December 2026
Aminex PLC has released a major operational update detailing the timeline for first gas production at its flagship Ntorya gas development in Tanzania.
Following a joint venture meeting between Aminex’s subsidiary, Ndovu Resources Limited, and operator ARA Petroleum Tanzania Limited (APT), the partners approved an updated 2026 work programme alongside a provisional plan for 2027. Together, the joint venture projects a gross capital expenditure of up to $75 million USD across the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027.
Operational Roadmap & Well Execution Plan
The approved program establishes clear, sequential milestones designed to bring the field into production while systematically evaluating additional appraisal targets:
[ Oct 2026 ] ──► Wellhead maintenance & slickline work on Ntorya-1 (NT-1)
[ Nov 2026 ] ──► Remove bridge plugs & test Ntorya-2 (NT-2)
[ Dec 2026 ] ──► FIRST GAS: NT-2 starts production into Madimba Pipeline
[ Dec 2026 ] ──► Spud Ntorya-3 (NT-3) at Ntorya-Central location
[ Sep 2027 ] ──► Tie-in & First Gas from NT-3 (if successful)
Key Development Targets
- Ntorya-2 (NT-2): Bridge plug removal and testing will begin in November 2026, leading directly into first gas production in December 2026. Flowlines will be constructed in parallel, and the contract for the Gas Processing Unit (GPU) is expected to be finalized before the end of September.
- Ntorya-1 (NT-1): Maintenance and slickline operations commence in October 2026. If a full rig-operated workover is required, it will follow the drilling of Ntorya-Central, bringing NT-1 onto production in December 2027.
- Ntorya-Central / Ntorya-3 (NT-3): Contract negotiations for a drilling rig are at an advanced stage, with signing expected in October 2026. The well is scheduled to spud in December 2026 as NT-3, targeting first gas by September 2027.
- Appraisal Expansion (NT-E & NT-W): Depending on results from NT-3, the joint venture holds options to drill up to two additional appraisal/development wells (Ntorya-East and Ntorya-West) on a back-to-back basis.
- Chikumbi-1 (CH-1): An obligatory commitment well under the Development Licence and Farmout Agreement, CH-1 will be drilled at the conclusion of the broader campaign.
Infrastructure: Ntorya to Madimba Pipeline
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has confirmed significant progress on the connecting pipeline infrastructure:
| Infrastructure Milestone | Status |
| Pipeline Laying & Infilling | ~95% Complete |
| Madimba Gas Plant Metering | Ongoing |
| Target Operational Date | December 2026 |
Executive Commentary
“We are pleased to have reached agreement with APT on the revised 2026 work programme and budget and the provisional 2027 programme, which together envisage an expenditure of up to US$75 million across the remainder of 2026 and 2027.
The coming months will see a significant increase in operational activity at Ntorya, with work commencing at NT-1, testing and first production from NT-2, completion of the pipeline and the planned drilling of NT-3… We remain focused on maintaining the current momentum and delivering first gas in December.”
— Charles Santos, Executive Chairman of Aminex PLC
