Melbana Energy (ASX:MAY) installs and tests casing string at Alameda 1

• Melbana Energy (MAY) has successfully conducted pressure testing at its Alameda-1 exploration well in its Block 9 contract area onshore Cuba
• There hasn’t been enough time drilling the present section to provide a precise prediction of when this depth will be reached, according to MAY, but if early signs of pace of penetration continue, it might happen next week
• The Alameda-1 well is expected to be completed by the end of February, according to the amended schedule
• The rig will subsequently be moved to the next well location to begin drilling the Zapato-1 well
• Melbana shares have traded grey at 2.2 cents a share

Melbana Energy (MAY) has installed and tested a 9-5/8″ casing string and has successfully conducted pressure testing at its Alameda-1 exploration well in its Block 9 contract area onshore Cuba.

An 11″ 10kpsi Blow-out Preventor (BOP) was also installed as a requirement before any drilling commences.

Drilling has since recommenced at Alameda 1, where the well has been drilled to 2622mMD. Drilling at the next target ‘N’ may start at roughly 3000mMd.

There hasn’t been enough time drilling the present section to provide a precise prediction of when this depth will be reached, according to MAY, but if early signs of pace of penetration continue, it might happen next week.

In addition, the deepest and largest primary structure is Alameda and has been proposed to start at roughly 3600mMd.

The Alameda-1 well is expected to be completed by the end of February, according to the amended schedule. The rig will subsequently be moved to the next well location to begin drilling the Zapato-1 well.

The Block 9 site within which lies Alameda, spans over 2344 squares kilometres onshore on the north coast of Cuba, 140 kilometres east of Havana in a proven hydrocarbon system along trend with the multi-billion barrel Varadero oil field.

Prior assessments located 19 structural prospects and leads which have been prioritised to arrive at the two locations that have been selected for the current drilling programs, Alameda and Zapato.

“It’s good to be back on the ground in Cuba meeting with the team in person again after such a lengthy absence due to COVID related travel complications,” Executive Chairman Andrew Purcell said.

“We’re now into the 8-1/2” hole section so it’s just all drilling from here in order to test the primary structures of this first well, which we look forward to occurring as soon as possible”.

Melbana shares have traded grey at 2.2 cents a share at 13:35 pm AEDT.