Invictus Energy Limited has hired key contractors for wellpad and civil works as the ASX-listed energy group prepares to commence drilling of its Musuma-1 exploration well in H2 2026 at the Cabora Bassa Project, in Zimbabwe.
The contractors – including Exalo Drilling S.A (Exalo) – will cover wellpad construction, civil works, logistics and support services.
“Awarding wellpad construction, civils, road upgrade, water supply, long-lead equipment and logistics contracts represents an important step in our preparations for the Musuma-1 exploration well,” said Invictus managing director Scott Macmillan.
“These allow us to move into the field execution phase and ensure the necessary infrastructure, equipment and mobilisation planning are in place ahead of drilling,” he said.
“Securing the remaining long-lead items, including wellheads and tubulars, is a key procurement milestone and supports our drilling readiness for the planned H2 2026 campaign,” Macmillan said.
“We are also pleased that Exalo S.A. is mobilising its team this week to commence in-country setup and critical maintenance activities for Rig 202 ahead of its planned move to the Musuma-1 wellpad,” he said.
Exalo, the contractor for Rig 202, will do the in-country setup and commence the scope of work associated with critical maintenance on the rig.
“The evaluation of well services provision is well advanced, and we are targeting award of these remaining scopes in coming weeks. The Company remains on track to spud Musuma-1 in H2 2026,” Macmillan said.
“With these items now secured, all major long lead procurement for the well is in place.”
On Musuma-1, Invictus is targeting an estimated gross mean unrisked prospective resource of 1.2 Tcf of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate# and represents one of the most significant undrilled conventional exploration opportunities in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
The well has the potential to unlock a substantial new resource base in the eastern portion of the licence area where several high potential prospects have been identified from the CB23 seismic survey.