KENYA: Eni’s Mlima-1 Well in Block L11B Unsuccessful – Source

Eni’s  Mlima-1 well which was commenced drilling in December will be plugged and abandoned after failing to encounter any hydrocarbons according to a source familiar with the matter.

OilNews Africa has learnt that the $140 million well failed to encounter any hydrocarbons in the primary and secondary despite initial signs of gas.

OilNews fAfrica further understands that there were complications in the drilling of the well which led to a longer drilling timetable than the estimated 40 days to complete which could have led to increased costs.

Mlima-1 offshore well drilled in Block L11B off Kenya’s south coast county of Kwale using the Saipem 12,000 drillship spud on 28th December 2021 with a target total depth of 2560m about 200km from Msambweni a small town along the Kenyan coast.

Mlima-1 is located about 20 km west of the well Kiboko-1 drilled by Anadarko in 2013 and which was also classified as dry.

The Eni led joint venture also includes TotalEnergies and Qatar Energy.

A formal announcement by Kenya’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mining is expected in the coming days.