ADX Energy (ASX:ADX) has elected to wait until all critical spare parts are on the rig site at Sidi Dhaher well on the Chorbane licence, onshore Tunisia before providing a spud date for the well.
Participant interests in the Sidi Dhaher -1 well are: ADX Energy Ltd 40% Operator, Gulfsands Petroleum plc 40%, XState Resources Ltd 10% (ASX: XST) and Verus Investments Limited 10% (ASX: VIL).
On the plus side, the diverter, parts of the choke manifold as well as the surface circulation system has been pressure tested and is now fully functioning. The rig would now under normal circumstances be ready for a final audit and commencement of drilling operations within the next days.
ADX has already moved surface casing and mud chemicals for preparing the system for the top hole well section on site.
Given the recent delays in sourcing equipment due to factors outside of ADX's control, there is a risk that additional spare parts may not be sourced locally without delaying drilling operations or compromising safety and well integrity.
ADX has advised the drilling contractor that drilling operations will not commence until critical spare parts are actually available on rig site and fully tested.
This critical well control part has to be sourced from Egypt. This is causing another incremental delay in the spud date.