Invictus Energy has started field preparations ahead of planned drilling at the Musuma-1 exploration well in Zimbabwe.
Invictus confirmed that surveying for the wellsite and wellpad is already underway in the Cabora Bassa Basin. The move marks an operational step toward a planned spud date in the second half of 2026.
The Musuma-1 well is a major project for the explorer, targeting an estimated prospective resource of 1.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate.
Managing Director Scott Macmillan described the prospect as an important opportunity that could significantly expand the company’s resource base.
“Musuma-1 is a compelling prospect with material scale and the potential to build on the success of the Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery,” Macmillan said.
“The prospect is supported by seismic amplitude anomalies identified on the CB23 seismic survey and is considered one of the key follow-up exploration opportunities in the Basin.”
The current phase of work includes geotechnical drilling and the sinking of water boreholes to support the engineering design and operational planning of the wellpad.
In a bid to ensure an efficient campaign, Invictus has also begun rig mobilisation planning and is currently evaluating tenders for drilling and oilfield service contracts, with awards expected by June this year.
The commencement of works follows the recent renewal of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment.
Musuma-1 has been confirmed as the first high-impact exploration well to be drilled outside the Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery area, targeting a new play type in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
The well has the potential to unlock a substantial new resource base in the eastern portion of the licence area, where several high-potential prospects have been identified from the CB23 seismic survey.
Should Musuma-1 prove successful, it would validate the material scale of the Cabora Bassa Basin, positioning Invictus as a key player in Southern Africa’s evolving energy landscape.