Geo Associates has confirmed gas, light oil, condensate and helium deposits in Muzarabani, Mines and Mining Development Minister Zhemu Soda has said.
GeoAssociates is the licence holder of the special grant 4571 where the gas discovery has been confirmed.
Australia Stock Exchange-listed Invictus Energy holds 80 percent of GeoAssociates while the balance is owned by the indigenous group, One Gas Resources.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Monday, 04 March, Soda said that exploration activities in Muzarabani have resulted in further discoveries of gas, condensate, helium, and hydrogen. He said (<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/gas-oil-discovery-changes-energy-game/">via The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
Today we are here to make further announcements about the exploration activities that continue to happen in Muzarabani.
We are pleased to announce that from the 11 samples that were extracted, Geo Associates reported to Government yesterday that they made further discoveries of gas, condensate, helium, and hydrogen.
The hydrogen which they discovered does not contain hydrogen sulphide which is an undesirable constituent of our petroleum products and there is potential from the light oil which was discovered to be beneficiated to produce diesel, petrol and Jet A1.
This is a huge step in the realisation of our Vision 2030 where we aspire to become an upper-middle-income economy.
We do encourage the investors to roll out their commercialisation and monetising activities which they have intimated to Government.
The results are that the natural gas is of high quality with minimal impurities and that there is no hydrogen sulphide in the samples (which is an undesirable constituent in oil and gas).
Above all, the oil discovered falls into the light oil classification. This is the oil classification that produces diesel, petrol as well as jet A1.
The presence of helium and hydrogen which has also been confirmed becomes a welcome bonus from the Mukuyu deposit.
Zimbabwe is on course to be counted as a player in the oil and gas industry. There are unimaginable spinoffs for the economy and for Zimbabweans at large from oil and gas extraction and the attendant value chain activities.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

High Quality Gas Discovered In Muzarabani

Invictus Energy, an Australian oil and gas company has said gas samples retrieved from the successful Mukuyu-2 ST1 well campaign are set to reach the United States for laboratory analysis this week.
In its latest update on Tuesday, 13 February, Invictus said the results from the lab analysis are anticipated within 2 weeks and will provide confirmation of the samples’ hydrocarbon composition. It said:
<blockquote>
Invictus Energy Limited (“Invictus” or “the Company”), is pleased to provide an update of the gas samples acquired from the Mukuyu-2 ST1 well and gas discovery at its 80% owned and operated Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe…
Following the two gas discoveries from the Upper and Lower Angwa reservoirs in recently completed Mukuyu-2 / ST1 drilling campaign, the downhole gas samples acquired have completed export procedures and are due to arrive in the United States for analysis at the end of this week.
Initial analysis is anticipated to be completed within the next two weeks following which the Company will provide the results as soon as available.
</blockquote>
In December 2023, the oil and gas firm announced a second gas discovery at its Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe.
The discovery was made at the Mukuyu-2 well, which is located approximately 6.8 kilometres northeast of the Mukuyu-1 well. The Mukuyu-2 well was drilled using the Exalo Rig 202.
Invictus said during the drilling process, the Mukuyu-2 sidetrack well reached a total depth of 3,360 meters above the interval.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Invictus Sends Muzarabani Gas Samples To United States For Laboratory Analysis

<a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Farai_Maguwu">Farai Maguwu</a>, the founding Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), says Zimbabwe needs visionary national leadership for the nation to benefit from its abundant natural resources.
Maguwu made the remarks following an announcement on Thursday morning by Mines and Mining Development Minister Zhemu Soda that Geo Associates and its partners Invictus Energy and One Gas Resources have successfully declared a gas discovery in Zimbabwe.
Invictus Energy also announced on the Australia Stock Exchange that four samples from the Upper Angwa section of its Mukuyu-2 exploration well confirm the presence of gas at the site.
Posting on X, Maguwu said Zimbabwe has exploited diamonds, chrome, gold, platinum and lithium for years but has nothing to show for it. <a href="https://x.com/FMaguwu/status/1732676795076399109?s=20">He wrote</a>:
<blockquote>
Before we hype about gas, let us ask questions: What did we do wrong with diamonds, chrome, gold, platinum and now lithium? Why did these fail to transform our economy?
What shall we do differently this time? Otherwise, it is repeating the same things and expecting different outcomes.
Dubai, a favourite holiday destination for our leaders, discovered Oil in 1966. In 1969 it began exporting oil.
Instantly, its ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, decreed that Oil profits would be used to transform the lives of his people. Today, the Emiratis are a prosperous people.
In 2023, they say Oil production now constitutes a tiny % of their economy. They have diversified to wholesale &amp; retail trade, transport and logistics, banking and capital markets, manufacturing, real estate, tourism, construction etc. It all starts with leadership.
If a desert-like Dubai, with only oil, can transform itself so rapidly, think of a country like Zimbabwe with the best climate in Africa, the best arable land in SADC, many minerals found in large quantities, vast tourism potential where all big 5 are found in their natural habitat.
The possibilities in our country are limitless. But it starts with a vision and political will.
</blockquote>
Scott Macmillian, Invictus’ Managing Director, on Thursday, said that “the discovery represents one of the most significant developments in the onshore Southern Africa oil and gas industry for decades”.
 Soda said that the “discovery will have a positive impact on the economic and social development of Zimbabwe”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Without Visionary National Leadership, Gas Discovery Meaningless - Maguwu

Australian firm Invictus Energy has declared a gas find at its Muzarabani prospect in Zimbabwe.
Scott Macmillian, Invictus’ Managing Director, on Thursday, 07 December said that “the discovery represents one of the most significant developments in the onshore Southern Africa oil and gas industry for decades”.
In a statement, Mines and Mining Development Minister Zhemu Soda that the “discovery will have a positive impact on the economic and social development of Zimbabwe”. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
The Government of Zimbabwe is pleased to announce that Geo Associates and its partners Invictus Energy and One Gas Resources have successfully declared a gas discovery in Zimbabwe through the ongoing exploration activities in Muzarabani.
This is a major discovery and represents one of the most significant developments in the onshore Oil and Gas Sector in the Southern Africa Region. The discovery is the first Triassic-aged hydrocarbon in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Geo Associates has delivered an exceptional result from the first two wells drilled in Mukuyu, opening up substantial room in their large portfolio of prospects and leads for further discoveries.
The results were shared as should be the norm have now been shared with the Government. The company has also proceeded to make this announcement at the Australian Stock Exchange as per listing requirements.
A total of four hydrocarbon samples were recovered to the surface from two separate zones in the Upper Angwa using the wireline formation testing tool.
The samples meet key international standards and; gas and fluid properties will be confirmed following laboratory testing.
Currently, the Company is conducting further appraisal and evaluation work to confirm the size and quality of the gas reservoirs, and to determine the optimal development plan.
The discovery also bodes well for other prospects and leads in the remainder of the larger Cabora Bassa Basin.
This discovery is a result of the long-term partnership between Geo Associates and the Government of Zimbabwe, with the Government providing an appropriate mining title and a conducive regulatory and fiscal environment for the project.
Zimbabwe is proud and grateful for this cooperation, and we are confident this will unlock the full potential of Zimbabwe’s oil and gas resources.
We believe that this discovery will have a positive impact on the economic and social development of Zimbabwe.
Gas will also support the diversification of Zimbabwe’s energy mix, enhance its energy security, and create jobs and opportunities for local communities. We are confident that this discovery will open up new horizons for Zimbabwe.
Both the Government and the Investor would want to reiterate that this is gas a discovery, we have not yet confirmed the discovery of oil as further exploration, tests and evaluations are still ongoing. The discovery will change the economic landscape of the country.
The nation will be kept appraised and informed of developments over this oil and gas exploration project.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Invictus Energy Declares Gas Discovery In Zimbabwe

Gift Mugano, a professor of economics, has urged the Government to improve on governance and accountability of Zimbabwe’s natural resources following Invictus Limited Energy’s confirmation of the presence of “light oil, gas-condensate and helium” in its Cabora Bassa Basin (Muzarabani).
The Australia-listed firm announced its find on Monday, 08 May 2023. Invictus Managing Director Scott Macmillan said that mud gas analysis from the Mukuyu-1 well drilled last year had proved the presence of hydrocarbons in multiple reservoir pay zones.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011291/eureka-zim-discovers-oil">NewsDay</a> on Monday following Invictus’s announcement, Mugano challenged the Government to put in place systems that will not ensure that Zimbabweans benefit from the find unlike what allegedly happened with the Chiadzwa diamonds where “US$15 billion vanished”. Said Mugano:
<blockquote>
This is good news, but the worry rests on our approach to our accountability of natural resources.
To be honest with you, we should not be holding our breath over oil and gas as if that is the only thing which we have in this country.
We have over 60 minerals, which are being plundered every day.
There is chaos in the lithium and gold industry. There’s chaos in precious metals like diamonds.
Zimbabweans want answers about what is going on with their resources.
As for me, I will hold on to my celebrations personally.
What are we celebrating because this was the same story with diamonds?
It’s not more about the availability of gas and oil, but it’s more about what we are going to do in terms of governance and accountability of our minerals.
Good news, but we cannot go to a party because we are used to this whole good news and we have not got anything out of it.
We are challenging the government that, in as much as this is good news, their systems and policies must not disappoint us.
</blockquote>
In a shareholder update yesterday, MacMillan said:
<blockquote>
Results from the mudgas compositional analysis definitively prove the presence of hydrocarbons in multiple reservoir pay zones at Mukuyu-1 consistent with the wireline log interpretation, fluorescence and elevated mudgas readings.
… We are extremely pleased with the results from the mudgas analysis which confirm our geological modelling of the Cabora Bassa Basin and the presence of both light oil and gas condensate provides us with confidence as we prepare for the drilling of Mukuyu-2 in Q3 this year.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Too Early To Celebrate Discovery Of Oil In Muzarabani"

Australia-listed Invictus Energy Limited on Monday, 08 May confirmed the presence of light oil, gas condensate and helium at its Cabora Bassa project in Muzarabani, Zimbabwe.
Invictus Managing Director Scott Macmillan said that mud gas analysis from the Mukuyu-1 well drilled last year had proved the presence of hydrocarbons in multiple reservoir pay zones. He said:
<blockquote>
Results from the mudgas compositional analysis definitively proves the presence of hydrocarbons in multiple reservoir pay zones at Mukuyu-1 consistent with the wireline log interpretation, fluorescence, and elevated mudgas readings.
Analysis shows the presence of light oil and rich natural gas-condensate, with condensate gas ratios estimated at between 30 to 135 barrels per million cubic feet.
The analysed samples demonstrate a consistent, high-quality natural gas composition, exhibiting low inert content, containing less than 1% CO2. 
Furthermore, the presence of helium gas in commercial concentrations in multiple reservoir units is comparable with global helium-producing fields and provides an additional high-value by-product.
We are extremely pleased with the results from the mudgas analysis which confirm our geological modelling of the Cabora Bassa Basin and the presence of both light oil and gas condensate provides us with confidence as we prepare for the drilling of Mukuyu-2 in Q3 this year.
Success at Mukuyu-2 and confirmation of a significant discovery will further unlock the value of our material portfolio and basin master position in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
</blockquote>
Helium is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and inert monatomic gas used as a cooling medium for nuclear reactors and in cryogenics (the study of low-temperature phenomena).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Australian Firm Finds Oil, Gas And Helium In Zimbabwe

Invictus Energy says it has identified thirteen (13) potential oil and gas-bearing zones in Muzarabani, a result the company said is “virtually unprecedented for the first well in a frontier basin.”
The company’s Managing Director Scott Macmillan said they are still interpreting all data with results to be integrated into the seismic data and basin models to guide future well locations and exploration prospect selection. He said:
<blockquote>
The Mukuyu-1 and ST1 drill campaign has been a great success, identifying 13 potential hydrocarbon bearing zones across the Pebbly Arkose and Upper Angwa formations.
Significantly, a combined 225 metres of gross potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones have been identified in the primary target Upper Angwa, which still contains deeper untested potential.
This is an outstanding result and virtually unprecedented for the first well in a frontier basin, establishing a new petroleum province and substantially de-risking the Company’s wider acreage
in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
We are still interpreting all the data, with results to be integrated into the seismic data and basin models to guide future well locations and exploration prospect selection.
</blockquote>
In a statement, Invictus said following the completion of operations of the Mukuyu-1 ST1 well, a total of 13 potential
hydrocarbon bearing zones were interpreted in the Pebbly Arkose and Upper Angwa
formations.
It said 11 potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones totalling a combined 225 metres were identified in the Upper Angwa formation. Invictus said:
<blockquote>
All potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones have been isolated and plugged and the Mukuyu-1 and ST1 wells have been left in a safe condition.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Invictus.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Click her to download the full document</a>

Invictus Finds 13 Potential Oil And Gas-Bearing Zones In Muzarabani

Invictus Energy Limited has announced that it is ceasing operations on Mukuyu-1 and ST1 in Muzarabani after conditions were deemed “unsuitable” and “not feasible”.
In a statement, the company said it encountered difficulties during drilling which included the breakage of a T Bar Clamp as workers attempted to retrieve the wireline formation testing tool, which was later damaged in the process.
It said it has extended its drill rig contract for a further year as it plans to drill either Mukuyu-2 or Baobab-1 this year.
Managing Director Scott Macmillan said that despite the numerous operational challenges encountered and not being able to obtain a fluid sample, the company had achieved a hugely significant result from the first well in the basin. He said:
<blockquote>
We have achieved a fantastic result from the Mukuyu-1 and sidetrack well which has multiple gas zones and potentially liquid hydrocarbon bearing intervals interpreted from wireline logs and drilling. 
We have a proven hydrocarbon system in the Cabora Bassa Basin as evidenced from significantly elevated gas shows and fluorescence during drilling and confirmed the presence of rich source rock, seal, reservoir, trap and timing.
Whilst we are frustrated with the numerous operational challenges encountered and not being able to obtain a fluid sample that would have enabled the formal declaration of a discovery, we have still achieved a hugely significant result from the first well in the basin which has substantially de-risked our dominant acreage position and established a new petroleum province. 
We have gathered a high-quality dataset across the Mukuyu-1 and sidetrack well which will now be integrated with the existing seismic data to calibrate and refine our interpretation and plan for the appraisal of Mukuyu as well as additional prospects in the basin.
We are particularly encouraged with the Upper Angwa Alternation Member horizon which proved up the hydrocarbon potential over a 900 metre gross interval with elevated gas shows and fluorescence to TD and still contains deeper untested potential and a further 300 metres of updip potential at the crest of the structure. 
The contract amendment executed with Exalo to keep Rig 202 for an additional 12 months underpins our confidence in the hydrocarbon prospectivity of the basin and will result in substantial time and cost savings to the Company compared to demobilising and remobilising the rig to and from East Africa for future drilling. 
Furthermore, the stacking of the rig at Mukuyu-1 will allow Exalo to perform maintenance and upgrades of the rig prior to recommencing drilling of either Mukuyu-2 or Baobab-1 in 2023 whilst the Company sources necessary long leads, conducts tendering for well services and integrates the substantial information gathered into the geological model to determine future drilling locations. 
We have gained a deeper understanding of the subsurface geology and valuable experience in drilling of the Cabora Bassa Basin which will allow us to optimise our plans, drilling fluids, equipment and services required for future campaigns. 
Overall, the drilling campaign and Mukuyu-1 and sidetrack well have been a tremendous success.
We thank our shareholders and supporters for backing the Company to fund and sole risk the drilling campaign, the results of which have put us in a strong future position given the petroleum potential of the basin has been proven.
We have an exciting portfolio of additional prospects and leads which has been substantially de-risked in addition to Mukuyu. 
</blockquote>

No Discovery Of Oil In Muzarabani As Invictus Ends Operations On Mukuyu-1

Invictus Energy Limited has elected to deepen the Mukuyu-1 well to test its further potential after reaching targetted depth of at least 3.5 kilometers last week.
The Australia-headquartered firm is exploring oil and gas in Muzarabani in the Zambezi Valley.
In an update on Friday, Invictus managing director Scott Macmillan said the Exalo Rig 202 was preparing to drill further down to 3.8 kilometres, to test the deeper potential of the remaining Upper Angwa and Lower Angwa formations. He said:
<blockquote>
Preliminary logging analysis from this early stage of the wireline programme in the current 8½ hole section has been encouraging, indicating multiple potential gas-bearing zones.
However, the presence of moveable hydrocarbons will be determined following the wireline formation testing programme, which will be run following the arrival of the wireline formation testing tool at the well site.
In the interim, we have elected to drill ahead to test the deeper potential of the remaining Upper Angwa and Lower Angwa formations, which will also provide us with valuable geological and geophysical information for future wells in the basin.
We anticipate the remaining activities will require a further 5 -7 days to complete following which final well results will be provided.
</blockquote>
Soon after drilling Mukuyu 1, a second well, the Baobab, will be sunk down to 1.5 km, with both exercises set to give a better idea of the full extent of the reserves in the Muzarabani prospect following the collection of more than 800 km of seismic data in 2021. | <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2022/11/18/invictus-to-deepen-well-to-further-test-potential/">New Ziana</a>

Invictus To Deepen Well To Further Test Potential

The Zimbabwean government has the opportunity to be the largest shareholder and beneficiary of the Muzarabani gas and oil exploration project, Invictus has said.
In an <a href="https://twitter.com/newswireZW/status/1560674220383776768">interview with business publication newZWire</a>, vice chairman of Invictus Energy, Joe Mutizwa, said:
<blockquote>
My expectations are that there are 2 aspects to this. First, is we have just struck an agreement with the Sovereign Fund of Zimbabwe, which will be getting a 10% buy-in into the project, once we have done the appraisal and we are in the final investment decision stage. The Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is obviously the government of Zimbabwe, gets 10%.
But over and above that, production share agreement envisages that the Goverment of Zimbabwe in total will take at least 55 to 60% of the total value of the project. Whether that is in the form of product or in the form of revenues is for the Government of Zimbabwe to choose. So they will be by far the Major beneficiaries of whatever we find here.
Which I think is a fair deal, ok the investors have taken a risk and have invested, but the resource belongs to Zimbabwe. And the investment must percolate and sip through the entirity of Zimbabwean economy. This will have a major impact on the budget. This will have a major impact on foreign currency earning capacity. It will be transformative in terms of infrastructure. And one can go on. There’s tremendous downstream opportunities that can be exploited. So this is just the beginning.
</blockquote>
Invictus has said it will <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/20/exploration-drilling-for-oil-and-gas-mbire-to-start-in-september-says-invictus/">start exploration drilling for oil and gas in early September</a>.
Zimbabwe passed the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Zimbabwe Act law in November 2014 and then set up the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) itself in 2015. In 2020, the government announced that it had set aside US $100 million for the SWF. Generally, it get its funds from balance of payment surpluses, official foreign currency operations, the proceeds of privatisation, government transfer payment, a fiscal surplus and natural resource earnings.

Opportunity For Zim To Be Biggest Beneficiary Of Oil & Gas Exploration Project - Invictus

The Managing Director Scott MacMillan of Invictus Energy, the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listed company has said that Zimbabwe could turn into a net exporter of energy due to the anticipated discovery of gas and oil.
Invictus is currently exploring for oil and or gas in <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/01/15/one-gas-energy-at-least-215-million-barrels-of-oil-reserves-trapped-underground-in-muzarabani-legislative-issues-delaying-drilling/">Muzarabani and Cahora Bassa basin</a> and the company has already recorded significant milestones towards the potential discovery of gas and oil from fresh tests and evaluation of secondary data first gathered by global oil giant Mobil in the 90s.
MacMillan said that if gas and oil were discovered in Zimbabwe, Discovery it would mean energy independence for the country which is vital for economic growth and prosperity. He added said:
<blockquote>And for a country like Zimbabwe it would mean that we are no longer reliant on fuel and electricity imports and instead of consuming 25 per cent of our foreign currency importing diesel and petrol if enough is discovered we can turn into a net exporter.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, One Gas Energy, a local player which is in partnership with Invictus Energy for the Muzarabani Oil Project has revealed that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/01/15/one-gas-energy-at-least-215-million-barrels-of-oil-reserves-trapped-underground-in-muzarabani-legislative-issues-delaying-drilling/">legislative issues are delaying the implementation of the Muzarabani Oil Project.</a>
One Gas Energy Executive Director Mr Patrick Chimbodza told ZBC News in January this year that the drilling process to establish commercially viable exploration levels can start later this year if legislative issues have been resolved.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-can-be-net-energy-exporter-2/">The Herald</a>

"Zimbabwe Can Turn Into A Net Exporter Of Fuel," Australian Company

Australian firm has released a report stating that the Muzarabani oil project has high potential to produce 3,9 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas and 181 million barrels of conventional gas.
The report was completed by Netherland, Sewell and Associates Inc (NSAI). Although Invictus has not drilled yet it said the Muzarabani project had net mean recoverable conventional potential of 680 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Part of Invictus’ statement reads:
<blockquote>The Independent Report by NSAI has resulted in net mean recoverable conventional potential of 680 million barrels of oil equivalent consisting of 3.1 Tcf and 145 million barrels of condensate net to Invictus. The size of the primary Upper Angwa target alone in Mzarabani Prospect places us in Giant scale field potential.</blockquote>
However, Invictus released a cautionary statement stating that the quantities of petroleum that may potentially be recovered by the application of a future development project relate to undiscovered accumulations. Part of the report reads:
<blockquote>The estimated quantities of petroleum that may be potentially recovered by the application of a future development project relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both 
an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration, appraisal and evaluation are required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially movable hydrocarbons. Prospective Resource assessments in this release were estimated using probabillistic methods in accordance with SPE-PRMS standards.</blockquote>
Invictus said they will continue with their geological and geophysical studies, including additional basin modelling and a further resource estimate leading to a planned marketing programme to attract a farm-out partner.

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