Aminex plc (LON:AEX) and SOLO Oil PLC (LON:SOLO) hailed the spudding or start of the latest well at the Ntorya gas field in the Ruvuma Basin in Tanzania.
An appraisal well, Ntorya-2 is being drilled four years after Ntorya-1, the original exploration well, and 1500m away.
It will go down to an estimated total depth of 2,860m and is targeting the same channel complex as Ntorya 1 but further updip of the reservoir.
Ntorya 1 flowed gas at 20 mmcf/d with 139 barrels of associated condensate when it was tested in 2012.
Aminex is the operator with a 75% operating interest while Solo owns 25%. Initial results are expected early next year.
Jay Bhattacherjee, Aminex’s chief executive, said: "We are delighted to have commenced the drilling of the Ntorya 2 appraisal well in the Ruvuma Basin.
“Aminex is one of the few oil and gas companies actively drilling in East Africa and this a very exciting time for the company."