Invictus Energy Ltd (ASX:IVZ) has awarded SLB, formerly Schlumberger, a key drilling and well services contract for the high-impact Musuma-1 exploration well at its Cabora Bassa Project in Zimbabwe, keeping the campaign on track for a November 2026 spud.
The contract is a major operational milestone as Invictus advances several workstreams in parallel, including construction of the Musuma-1 wellpad and access roads, preparation of drilling equipment and maintenance of Exalo Rig 202 ahead of mobilisation.
SLB will provide specialised services, technology and operational resources for the drilling campaign, with equipment preparation, logistics and mobilisation planning now underway.
“Securing SLB completes another critical component of the Musuma-1 campaign and significantly advances operational readiness ahead of drilling," Invictus managing director Scott Macmillan said.
“SLB brings world-class technical expertise, equipment and operational capability, as well as valuable continuity from the successful Mukuyu-2 drilling campaign.”
Well services contract signing with Invictus CEO Scott Macmillan and SLB Managing Director, Central, East & Southern Africa Miguel Baptista.
Site and rig preparations advancing
Construction of the Musuma-1 wellpad, access roads and supporting civil infrastructure is progressing ahead of the planned mobilisation of Rig 202 and associated drilling and well services equipment.
Invictus is coordinating drilling, logistics and civil contractors to ensure the site and supporting infrastructure are ready before the rig move.
Exalo has also started its maintenance, inspection and readiness program for Rig 202. Once completed, the rig will be moved to Musuma-1 for rig-up, final commissioning and acceptance before drilling begins.
Musuma-1 targets Eastern Margin opportunity
Over the coming weeks, Invictus plans to complete the wellpad and civil works, finish Rig 202 maintenance, prepare and mobilise SLB equipment and move drilling materials, tubulars and wellhead equipment to site.
Rig mobilisation will then be followed by commissioning, acceptance and final pre-spud activities, with drilling still scheduled to begin in November.
Musuma-1 will test a material independent exploration target within the Eastern Margin play of the Cabora Bassa Basin and represents a key upcoming exploration catalyst for Invictus.
About Invictus Energy
Invictus Energy is an independent upstream oil and gas explorer with a highly prospective landholding in Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa Basin.
The company has already made a significant gas discovery at the Mukuyu field in northern Zimbabwe and continues to advance exploration across what it describes as one of Africa’s last largely untested frontier onshore rift basins.
Its broader portfolio covers about 360,000 hectares and includes the Mukuyu Gas Field alongside multiple Basin Margin prospects.
