88 Energy Ltd (LON:88E, ASX:88E) has told investors that its new drilling programme has now begun in Alaska.
The Arctic Fox drilling rig is in place at the location of the Icewine-2 appraisal well, and the final groundworks are now being completed.
A final permit approval and additional equipment is still awaited, and the company says it is on schedule for the well to spud in April.
Dave Wall, 88 Energy managing director, in a statement, said: “The Arctic Fox is now on location at Franklin Bluffs and ready to rig up ahead of expected spud in April. All items required to commence drilling in the near-term remain on schedule.
“We are now entering an exciting phase of evaluation at Project Icewine as we seek to establish the production potential of the HRZ shale.
“Regular updates will be provided as appropriate during the course of operations."