Helium One Global Ltd (AIM:HE1, OTCQB:HLOGF) said it is on track to start drilling at the Rukwa well in Tanzania from September.
An experienced crew has now been appointed, the company said in a statement, with its recently acquired rig almost fully set up at the site.
Delivery of the final long-lead items is due for the second week of September, placing Helium One on track to begin work during the latter half of the month.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the company as we approach the spud of Tai-C,” chief executive Lorna Blaisse said.
The AIM-listed company, which holds prospecting licences for almost 3,000 square kilometres over three areas in Tanzania, in July acquired a rig capable of drilling 2,400 metres for its flagship Rukwa project, where testing in 2021 identified a working helium system.
“The team has worked very hard to get us to this point and we look forward to the last few items required to fall into place,” Blaisse added, with the company planning to ultimately undertake 24-hour operations at the site.