Aminex PLC (LSE:AEX) told investors that progress is being made ahead of a seismic data acquisition programme which will be a precursor to well drilling later this year.
Contractor Africa Geophysical Services (AGS) is presently completing mobilisation, with all equipment expected to site by mid-February with the survey set to follow thereafter.
The survey will capture some 338 square kilometres of 3D data and is described as an integral step in progressing and de-risking plans for the Ntorya gas discovery before the next well, Chikumbi-1, is drilled (targeted for Q3 2022).
It aims to confirm the exploitable gas resource and provide greater clarity of the potential upside of the discovery, previously estimated by partner and operator ARA Petroleum Tanzania (APT) which saw some 3,024 billion cubic feet of risked prospective gas in place – and, a prospective risked recoverable gas resource of 1,990 Bcf.
"Progress is being made on the seismic programme. Following the award of the seismic contract in Q4 2021 and the ongoing mobilisation of the equipment to site, the Joint Venture expects to commence shooting seismic imminently,” said Charlie Santos, Aminex executive chairman.
“This will provide the high-quality 3D definition of the subsurface in preparation for the appraisal well to be drilled in Q3 this year.
“As we enter another important phase of the activity, we thank APT for the progress made and look forward to updating shareholders further in due course."