88 Energy Ltd (AIM:88E, ASX:88E, OTC:EEENF) said that the Merlin-2 surface hole has been successfully completed (to 2,005 feet) and safety systems put in place ahead of drilling to its target depth of 8,000 ft.
This is expected to be reached in two weeks with all target zones anticipated to be intersected, said the statement.
The Merlin-2 well is designed to appraise the N18, N19 and N20 primary targets located in the Nanushuk Formation on Alaska's North Slope.
"During the current drilling phase, logging while drilling and mudlogging are set to provide initial indications as to the prospectivity of the target zones at the Merlin-2 location," 88 added.
"After reaching TD, a sophisticated wireline logging program is planned to be run, which includes the collection of downhole samples and sidewall cores".
This wireline logging program is expected to take approximately five to seven days to be completed.