ZIMBABWE: Multiple Awarded Contracts for Musuma-1 Exploration Well and Preparation for Drilling Commences
Invictus Energy has announced the award of key contracts covering wellpad construction and civil works, and the mobilisation of logistics and support services, in preparation for the drilling of the Musuma-1 exploration well in the Cabora Bassa Project,
Zimbabwe.
Wellpad construction and civils
Invictus has awarded contracts for the construction of the Musuma-1 wellpad and associated civil works. The scope of work includes upgrades to access roads required to support rig transport and ongoing operations, as well as establishing water supply infrastructure required for drilling operations. Site works are being planned to ensure the wellpad and associated infrastructure are
ready to receive Rig 202 in line with the Company’s planned drilling schedule.
Long lead items
The Company has completed the evaluation of long lead equipment suppliers required for the Musuma1 well and is preparing to make the award for supply of the remaining equipment. With these items now secured, all major long lead procurement for the well is in place.
Rig 202 critical maintenance and mobilisation
Exalo Drilling S.A, the contractor for Rig 202, is mobilising a team to Zimbabwe this week to commence in-country setup and commence the scope of work associated with critical maintenance on Rig 202.
This work is being undertaken in coordination with Invictus’ in-country team ahead of the planned rig move to the Musuma-1 wellpad and rig acceptance process in preparing the rig for the upcoming drilling campaign.
Well services provision
Evaluation of tenders for the provision of well services to support the Musuma-1 drilling campaign is well advanced. The Company anticipates awarding the well services contract in the coming weeks, completing the final suite of contracts required to support the well.
Logistics and mobilisation
The Company has prepared a logistics and mobilisation plan to support seamless mobilisation of services required to support the upcoming drilling campaign. This includes the coordination of equipment, materials and personnel movements into the field, ensuring operational readiness ahead of rig arrival at the Musuma-1 wellpad. The selection of logistics providers is being finalised
with contract award expected following selection of drilling and well services provider(s).
Invictus Managing Director Scott Macmillan commented:
“Awarding wellpad construction, civils, road upgrade, water supply, long-lead equipment and logistics contracts represents an important step in our preparations for the Musuma-1 exploration well. These allow us to move into the field execution phase and ensure the necessary infrastructure, equipment and mobilisation planning are in place ahead of drilling.
“Securing the remaining long-lead items, including wellheads and tubulars, is a key procurement milestone and supports our drilling readiness for the planned H2 2026 campaign.
“We are also pleased that Exalo S.A. is mobilising its team this week to commence in-country setup and critical maintenance activities for Rig 202 ahead of its planned move to the Musuma-1 wellpad.
“The evaluation of well services provision is well advanced, and we are targeting award of these remaining scopes in coming weeks. The Company remains on track to spud Musuma-1 in H2 2026.”
Musuma-1 exploration well spud on track for H2 2026
With wellpad construction, civils, logistics and rig maintenance activities progressing in parallel, Invictus remains on track to spud the Musuma-1 exploration well in H2 2026. Traditional and cultural ceremonies will be held at the Musuma-1 wellsite ahead of wellpad construction.
Musuma-1 is targeting an estimated gross mean unrisked prospective resource of 1.2 Tcf of gas and 73million barrels of condensate and represents one of the most significant undrilled conventional exploration opportunities in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
