Further drill rig problems at the Tai-3 well have halted operations at Rukwa, southwest Tanzania.
RESERVOIR TARGET
Licence holder Helium One Global said that a mechanical and an electrical fault on 29 October during drilling the final section had resulted in a temporary rig shut down.
“Whilst running back in hole following a drill bit change, there was a seal failure on the iron rough neck which is used to make and break connections of drill pipe.
“The company is confident that this part can be replaced in-country but will require a few days to source and repair.”
Helium One added that the Predator 220 drilling rig had been performing well following the component failure in the rig carrier on 4 October.
The Tai-3 well has successfully encountered helium shows but the basement reservoir target is now more than “400m deeper than prognosed”.
The drilling period in the Lake Bed formation and the Karoo Group has consequently been extended for the drill to reach the target.
“Cuttings have indicated the presence of weathered metamorphic material, indicating that the well is now very close to the target interval,” added the company.
Well depth, currently at 1,445m measured depth, is expected to have a total depth at around 1,550m MD.
Once drilling resumes, Helium One expects to reach the basement target quickly and begin a comprehensive wireline programme to evaluate the helium shows encountered during drilling.
“We are pleased with the current results of Tai-3 with encouraging helium shows encountered in the Lake Beds and the Karoo,” added chief executive officer Lorna Blaisse.
“These initial results still need further evaluation to determine the full extent of what we have at Tai and where there may be gas-bearing intervals.
“Whilst it’s frustrating to have suffered another small setback with the rig, we are confident we will resolve these issues quickly so we can get back to drilling and target the remaining reservoir in the basement.”