<\/strong>Analysis of the sidewall cores obtained from Mukuyu-1 is in progress, with both reservoir (on
suitable unfractured plugs) and source rock samples at various stages of evaluation.
Initial processing at the lab has shown strong fluorescence in side wall cores obtained from
approximately 2,407m Measured Depth in the upper Pebbly Arkose reservoir sections (example
shown in Figure 1). This subsequently increased the gross interval of observed fluorescence and hydrocarbon charge in the Pebbly Arkose and Upper Angwa to 1,500m and substantially expands the play
interval in the Cabora Bassa Basin. Fluorescence was not previously identified in the drill cuttings across the upper Pebbly Arkose interval, most likely due to the drilling fluid losses incurred across this zone and remedial action required to stabilise the fluid loss. Mud gas readings were not available for this interval due to a non-functioning gas chromatograph during drilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image.png?resize=609%2C275&ssl=1\")
ultraviolet light<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The sidewall core results will allow for better calibration of the wireline log data to refine the
log interpretation and net pay zones. Following the completion of routine core analysis (RCA),
further special core analysis (SCAL) will be undertaken on select plugs to determine saturation
data and electrical rock properties. Results from geochemical analysis of the source rock side wall cores and cuttings will enable further calibration of the basin model and hydrocarbon generation and migration history, which will enable the Company to better determine the likely liquid hydrocarbon migration
and entrapment locations across its wider exploration acreage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Post Mukuyu-1\/ST1 Well Analysis However, some valid formation pressure pre-tests obtained in the upper Pebbly Arkose and The presence of gas in Mukuyu-1 interpreted from wireline logs and elevated gas shows, along The leads all display seismic amplitude anomalies such as \u201cflat spots\u201d (often indicative of Comments from Managing Director Scott Macmillan: \u201cWe are also planning an infill 2D seismic survey in EPO 1848\/49 to mature multiple leads into <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/strong>Post well analysis has determined the presence of significant filter cake build-up on the
wellbore, as evidenced from recovered side wall cores (Figure 2) which impeded the ability to
acquire formation pressure pre-tests to confirm hydrocarbon gradients and the ability to
obtain fluid samples in reservoir zones interpreted to contain hydrocarbons based on wireline
data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upper Angwa reservoirs were considerably above hydrostatic pressure and potentially indicate
a significant gas column (assuming a normally pressure aquifer) in these formations.
Further analysis is being undertaken to assess the impact to the reservoir from the high mud
weight and drilling fluid composition. This analysis will determine whether any changes to the
drilling mud design and drilling fluid composition is required for future wells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
with liquid hydrocarbons evidenced from strong fluorescence and visual inspection of source
rock side wall cores from multiple intervals, has validated the Company\u2019s pre-drill basin
modelling of the presence of organic rich source and multiple phases of oil and gas generation
and hydrocarbon charged reservoirs at multiple horizons.
2D seismic acquisition planned to mature eastern leads to drillable prospects
The Company plans to acquire additional seismic in the eastern portion of EPO 1848 & 1849
to mature multiple leads (Mopane, Musuma, Machabel and Mahogany) along the proven
play on trend to the east of Mukuyu and additional leads along the highly prospective Basin
Margin play (Mimosa and Mukwa), as per Figure 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image-1.png?resize=605%2C298&ssl=1\")
hydrocarbon contacts) and velocity interval slowdowns (Figure 4), which correlate with the
hydrocarbon bearing intervals intersected in the Mukuyu-1\/ST1 well.
The acquisition of modern 2D seismic will likely allow the Company to mature a number of
these leads, previously identified on reprocessed vintage seismic data, to drillable prospects,
providing additional running room and adding materially to the portfolio.
Seismic survey design and planning is well advanced and acquisition is anticipated to
commence in Q2 2023, incorporating the Company\u2019s experience from the successful CB21
Seismic Survey acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image-2.png?resize=608%2C343&ssl=1\")
structure<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPreparations for the Mukuyu-2 appraisal well have commenced, with drilling currently targeted
to commence in early Q3. We will take the learnings from the successful Mukuyu-1\/ST1 well to optimise the well design for the drilling conditions encountered and the ability to evaluate multiple hydrocarbon bearing intervals.
\u201cPost well analysis of Mukuyu-1 indicates potential for significant gas columns in the Pebbly
Arkose and Upper Angwa formations, based on significantly elevated pressures in interpreted gas
bearing sands above normal hydrostatic gradient. \u201cPreliminary processing of the side wall cores obtained in the Mukuyu-1 well have also provided further encouragement for the Company.
\u201cAdditional fluorescence observed in the upper Pebbly Arkose reservoir sections has increased the
gross interval with hydrocarbon charge throughout the Pebbly Arkose and Upper Angwa to 1,500
metres and substantially expands the play interval in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
\u201cFollowing success at Mukuyu-1\/ST1, which confirmed a working hydrocarbon system in the
basin, we have received industry interest to participate in the Cabora Bassa Project and the
Company is considering a range of options to manage forward exploration, appraisal and
development programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
drillable prospects along trend from Mukuyu, and the highly prospective Basin Margin play.
\u201cI look forward to spending time on the ground in Zimbabwe early next month with the entire
Board as momentum builds towards the drilling of Mukuyu-2.
\u201cSuccess at Mukuyu-2 and confirmation of a significant discovery will further unlock the value of
our material portfolio and basin master position in the Cabora Bassa Basin.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n