Helium One Global Ltd has temporarily shut down operations because of further problems with its rig, audited last year, on the Rukwa licence in southwest Tanzania.
IRON ROUGHNECK
The setback follows reports earlier in the week of elevated helium shows from the Tai-3 well after the repair and reinstallation of a faulty component to the iron roughneck.
The company today said that the Epiroc Predator 220 drilling rig had encountered “an issue” with the hydraulic system, affecting the performance of the iron roughneck mechanism.
“Both the hydraulic system and the iron roughneck are critical to the operations of the rig and, as a result of this, the company has had to temporarily shut down operations whilst the full extent of the issue is determined.
“As a result of this, the company is currently unable to pull the drill string out of the hole and has therefore been unable to commence wireline operations as planned.
“However, the drill pipe can still be rotated and drilling fluid circulated so wellbore stability remains good.
“The company and on-site team remain fully focused and committed to resolving this temporary setback so that the valuable wireline data and downhole gas samples can still be obtained.”
Chief executive Lorna Blaisse added that the delay was frustrating but that Helium One looked forward to a “positive well evaluation as soon as this issue is resolved”.