Helium One Global Ltd has overcome delays by securing and mobilising its own drilling rig, originally audited in July last year, to drill the Tai-C well at Rukwa in Tanzania.
EPIROC PREDATOR 220
The move follows the company’s rectification notice last week to previous rig operator Sofori over delays and it has now cancelled dealings with the Tunisian firm.
Helium One has instead acquired an oil and gas type Epiroc Predator 220 drilling rig, capable of drilling in excess of 2,000m, with spudding targeted for September.
Although checked in 2022, the rig was unavailable until Q2 this year and remains in “good condition”.
The company said that long lead items such as drill bits, bottom hole assemblies, casing and drill pipe purchased for Sofori’s rig are compatible with the Predator 220.
Helium One will order remaining well control equipment, await the arrival of drill pipe and secure an experienced crew.
Chairman Ian Stalker added that the Epiroc rig, mobilised from the East Africa region, was more cost effective and time efficient than mobilising rigs from elsewhere.
“Mobilising the rig and component parts to Tanzania in such short order is a very significant achievement and a testament to the team.
“Our CEO and the entire team from top to bottom have taken the decisive action necessary and worked tirelessly to ensure we can still fulfil our Q3 drilling programme as we had previously outlined. ”
Success at Tai-C will be followed by appraisal and accelerated exploration on the Rukwa, Eyasi and Balangida projects, without future issues of acquiring a rig or extra costs of keeping a rig on standby.
CONTRACTS
Helium One engaged Tanzanian company TNR Ltd for ground works for the construction of the Tai-C well pad, camp and access roads, with a completion date set for mid-August.
Baker Hughes will provide wireline services as well as cementing and drilling chemicals and fluids for the Tai-C well.
GeoLog International BV, previously contracted for the Tai-1/-1A well, will conduct mudlogging services.