• Planned total depth of 3,152 mMD successfully reached at Zapato-1
• Well to be suspended to allow time to integrate new data into sub surface model
• Next operation is appraisal of the substantial oil reservoirs at Alameda-1

Melbana Energy advises that the Zapato-1 exploration well being drilled in its Block 9 PSC area onshore Cuba (Melbana 30%) has successfully reached the target total depth of 3,152 mMD. Wireline logging operations have been run and the collected data is being analysed.

Drilling saw increased fracturing and a marked improvement in penetration rate in the last two hundred metres or so. Whilst this could be interpreted as a change in lithology, the well was still within the ophiolitic sequence at the target total depth and velocity data from the first logging run confirmed that the original reservoir target defined on seismic had been tested.

The well will now be suspended so that the subsurface interpretation may be reviewed once all the new data sets have been incorporated.

The rig is being demobilised and, upon completion of necessary maintenance and recertifications, will be sent back to the Alameda drill pad to commence appraisal of the significant volumes of moveable hydrocarbons encountered by the Alameda-1 well.

Melbana will provide more information on this appraisal program and the 2023 work program in due course, for which it is fully funded.

Melbana Energy’s Executive Chairman, Andrew Purcell, commented: 
“Congratulations to our drilling team for reaching our target total depth in challenging drilling conditions. The thickness of the ophiolite sequence was a major risk for this well and we’ve certainly encountered our share of it. Although it is tempting to keep going given the signs that we may be nearing the end of the ophiolites, we also are keen to get started on appraising the oil reservoirs encountered whilst drilling Alameda-1. The Zapato play type remains extremely significant but for now it’s time to stop exploring and start appraising.”