(Ecofin Agency) - Aminex has announced the commencement of drilling on the Ntorya-2 appraisal well in the Ruvuma Basin in Tanzania.

“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,” Jay Bhattacherjee, CEO of Aminex said.

The appraisal well is being drilled to an estimated total depth of 2860 metres and is aiming for the same channel complex as Ntorya-1 but further updip. The well location is a 1,500-metre step-out from the Ntorya 1 discovery which flow-tested gas at 20Mmcf/d, with 139 barrels of associated condensate, from a 3.5-metre sand interval, Oil News Kenya reports.

“We are delighted to have confirmation of the start of drilling at the Ntorya-2 appraisal well in the Ruvuma Basin. This low risk step-out from the discovery well is anticipated to provide significant encouragement for the development of the field and the results are eagerly awaited,” Neil Ritson, Solo Oil’s Chairman commented.

Aminex owns a 75% operating interest in the well while Solo Oil holds a 25% non-operating interest. Initial results from the well are expected by early 2017.

Anita Fatunji