Aminex conducts Ntorya-2 well test in Tanzania

Tanzanian-based energy company Aminex has confirmed that the Ntorya-2 appraisal well has been successfully tested and is now suspended for future production.

Ntorya-2 was drilled in the onshore Ruvuma Basin situated in southern Tanzania, on the Mtwara Licence that is governed by Ruvuma Production Sharing Agreement.

Aminex holds 75% interest and is the operator of the licence.

Aminex CEO Jay Bhattacherjee said: “The overall results of Ntorya-2 have substantially exceeded Aminex’s expectations and now we have the potential for a commercial development project in the Ruvuma Basin.

“Ntorya-2 is currently being suspended for future production. Further analysis of the well results is ongoing and we will keep shareholders informed of progress.

“Despite the measures we had to take to control the well during drilling, due to a large gas influx in the reservoir section, the Ntorya-2 test clearly supports our belief that there is a considerable gas basin to be exploited in our Ruvuma onshore acreage, which we are looking forward to developing.

“This project should ultimately be of immense benefit to the Tanzanian economy and is an excellent result for our patient and supportive shareholders and all other stakeholders.”

The well was drilled to a total vertical depth of 2,795m.

At 2,593m, the well encountered a gross gas-bearing reservoir unit of approximately 51m.

The well was perforated over a gross interval of 34m. It underwent a testing programme for a period of 160 hours and flowed across a variety of choke sizes.

To preserve the safety of the well operations, Aminex was required to increase drilling mud weights in order to maintain well control and operate within safety parameters.

The wireline logs indicate that Ntorya-2 encountered the equivalent reservoir section at approximately 74m higher than in Ntorya-1 well.

As no formation water was produced during the test, the Ntorya-1 and Ntorya-2 area are expected to contain high volumes of gas.

Aminex will now carry out a full analysis of all technical data before applying for a 25-year development licence over the Ntorya appraisal area.