Invictus confirms it has executed a binding drilling rig contract with Exalo Drilling to drill the Muzarabani-1 exploration well and an option for an additional exploration well for the basin opening drilling campaign, scheduled to commence in June 2022.

The contract comes after Invictus entered an MOU with the company last December and involves the Exalo #202 rig, which has a drilling range of 5000m. The #202 Rig is currently engaged in operations in Tanzania and is expected to commence mobilisation to the CaboraBassa project in May.

Last week the Company finalised processing of its 2021 CaboraBassa 2D Seismic Survey (‘CB21 Survey’), with interpretation of the data now underway. Early interpretation has revealed multiple trapping geometries and a target rich hydrocarbon environment.

The Company has identified a number of potential well locations for the Muzarabani-1 well and is maturing additional prospects identified from the CB21 Survey for a second well to be drilled in the upcoming campaign.

New Country Manager appointed

Invictus has announced the appointment of Barry Meikle as Country Manager of the Company. Mr. Meikle brings significant operational and HSE experience throughout Africa and Oceania to the role.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Meikle served with Invictus as Project Manager for the CB21 Seismic Survey and lead the execution of the seismic survey which was delivered within budget and on schedule with 147,000 hours of LTI free operations.

Previous experience includes a range of onshore geophysical, operational and camp project management in mining and oil and gas in Africa including in Kenya with the successful Lokichar Basin drilling campaign and Papua New Guinea with InterOil and Total Energies.

Mr. Meikle is Non-Executive Director of Allied Timbers Saligna and Mina Alumina LTA (in Mozambique) and a member of the Victoria Falls COVID Taskforce.

Leadership team in-country

Managing Director and Zimbabwe native Scott Macmillan arrived back in his home country late last week for a planned month of on-the-ground engagement as preparation of the drilling campaign ramps up. It is the first time Mr. Macmillan has been able to return to Zimbabwe since 2020.

He will be joined in mid-March by Chairman Dr Stuart Lake and Non-Executive Director Mr. Gabriel Chiappini along with Zimbabwe based Deputy Chair Joe Mutizwa and Joint Venture partner Paul Chimbodza of One-Gas Resources to progress engagements with the Republic of Zimbabwe on a licence area extension to culminate in a 2 well exploration program. Invictus Energy  owns 80 per cent  operating activities of Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe.