Aminex PLC (LON:AEX) told investors that joint venture partner Ara Petroleum is going to shoot 3D seismic at the Ruvuma project ahead of the Chikumbi-1 well programme.
As well as assisting preparations for the well, the acquisition of a high-resolution 3D seismic survey is of primary importance for the preparation of the field development plan, the company said.
A revised schedule sees 480 square kilometres of seismic being captured in the programme during the second and third quarters, with data processing following.
It is expected that first gas will flow from the project in September 2024, subject to the Chikumbi-1 well.
"The Aminex board is delighted that activity on the ground in Tanzania is finally taking concrete form and moving us closer to establishing the field development plan whilst enabling the final planning of the Chikumbi-1 well and assist with the location of subsequent wells," said Charles Santos, Aminex executive chair.
Aminex’s participation in such programmes is covered under its US$35 farm-out to Ara.
The Chikumbi-1 well is planned to spud in early 2022, following rig mobilisation in the second half of 2021.
It is designed to reach a total depth of 3,485 metres targeting both the proven Cretaceous gas reservoir and a deeper Jurassic exploration prospect.