- 01SLB wins Musuma-1 drilling/well services.
- 02Spud planned for Nov 2026; readiness advancing.
- 03Site works: wellpad/roads; Rig 202 prep.
Invictus Energy (ASX: IVZ) has awarded SLB a drilling and well services contract for the Musuma-1 exploration well at its Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe, completing another key operational workstream ahead of drilling planned for November 2026.
The contract covers specialised services, technology, and operational resources, with equipment preparation, logistics, and mobilisation now being progressed.
Construction of the Musuma-1 wellpad, access roads, and supporting civil infrastructure is also advancing, while maintenance and readiness work has started on Rig 202 before its mobilisation to site.
Invictus expects the well to test a material independent exploration target within the Eastern Margin exploration play, adding another exploration catalyst to its broader Cabora Bassa Basin program.
Key Services Contract
SLB will provide a number of key services required for the Musuma-1 campaign, bringing continuity from its involvement in the previous Mukuyu-2 drilling program.
The award means Invictus has now secured key drilling and well services while multiple operational workstreams continue in parallel across the project.
“Securing SLB completes another critical component of the Musuma-1 campaign and significantly advances operational readiness ahead of drilling,” managing director Scott Macmillan said.
“With key drilling and well services now secured, and multiple workstreams progressing in parallel, Musuma-1 remains firmly on track to spud in November 2026—we look forward to keeping shareholders updated as we continue to progress towards the commencement of this high-impact drilling campaign.”
Preparation and mobilisation of SLB equipment will run alongside the movement of drilling materials, tubulars, and wellhead equipment required ahead of the planned November start.
Site Works Moving Ahead
Wellpad construction and associated civil works are progressing in preparation for the mobilisation of Rig 202, along with the supporting drilling and well services equipment.
Invictus is coordinating drilling, logistics and civil contractors to have the site and associated infrastructure ready before the rig move, with customary cultural ceremonies with local traditional leaders completed during the previous week.
The Rig 202 maintenance, inspection, and readiness program has also started, covering the work required before the unit is transferred to the Musuma-1 wellsite.
The maintenance campaign is intended to ensure the rig is fully prepared before mobilisation and incorporates the required inspection and readiness activities.
Once that program is complete, the rig will be mobilised for rig-up, final commissioning, and acceptance activities before drilling begins.
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