Wellpad construction, rig mobilisation and procurement activities gather pace ahead of the planned H2 2026 spud
Invictus Energy has awarded a series of key contracts covering wellpad construction, civil works, logistics and long-lead equipment procurement as preparations accelerate for the drilling of the Musuma-1 exploration well in the Cabora Bassa Project, Zimbabwe.
The latest contract awards move the project into the field execution phase, with site preparation and infrastructure development progressing ahead of the planned arrival of Rig 202 for the company’s H2 2026 drilling campaign.
Wellpad construction and civil works underway
Construction contracts have been awarded for the Musuma-1 wellpad and associated civil works, including upgrades to access roads required for transporting drilling equipment and supporting field operations. The scope also includes the development of water supply infrastructure that will be used during drilling.
The work is being scheduled to ensure the wellpad and supporting infrastructure are fully prepared to receive Rig 202 in line with Invictus Energy’s drilling timetable.
Procurement milestone strengthens drilling readiness
Invictus Energy has completed the evaluation of suppliers for the remaining long-lead equipment required for Musuma-1 and is preparing to award the final supply contracts.
With these procurements nearing completion, all major long-lead equipment required for the exploration well will be secured, supporting operational readiness for the drilling campaign.
Rig 202 mobilisation begins
Exalo Drilling, the contractor responsible for Rig 202, is mobilising a technical team to Zimbabwe to begin in-country setup and undertake critical maintenance work on the rig.
The maintenance programme is being carried out in coordination with Invictus Energy’s local operations team ahead of transporting the rig to the Musuma-1 wellpad and completing the rig acceptance process before drilling commences.
Evaluation of tenders for well services supporting the Musuma-1 drilling programme is in its final stages, with contract awards expected in the coming weeks.
At the same time, Invictus Energy has finalised a comprehensive logistics and mobilisation plan covering the movement of equipment, materials and personnel to the drilling site. Selection of logistics providers is also nearing completion and will follow the appointment of the drilling and well services contractors.
Musuma-1 targets major gas and condensate resources
Traditional and cultural ceremonies will be held at the Musuma-1 wellsite before construction activities begin. Musuma-1 is targeting an estimated gross mean unrisked prospective resource of 1.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas and 73 million barrels of condensate, making it one of the largest undrilled conventional exploration prospects within the Cabora Bassa Basin.
The well will be the first high-impact exploration well drilled outside the Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery area and will test a new geological play in the eastern section of Invictus Energy’s licence area. Success at Musuma-1 could significantly expand the basin’s resource potential, where multiple high-potential prospects have already been identified through the CB23 seismic survey.
